Michael Carrick makes Bruno Fernandes injury statement ahead of Atletico Madrid showdown

Michael Carrick has insisted that Bruno Fernandes is over the worst of an ongoing injury issue.

Bruno Fernandes has been an ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League this season. However, during the recent international break, he missed one of Portugal’s games due to injury.

Portugal boss Jorge Jesus claimed Fernandes had been playing through a knock that he sustained at Manchester United.

Speaking at his pre-Atletico Madrid press conference, Michael Carrick clarified Fernandes’ status. He noted that during his playing career, he often played when he was not fully fit.

Carrick said: “He was carrying something [an injury]. It happens a lot, people don’t realise it. I probably played 80% of the games through my career with issues. That’s how it is.”

The head coach added: “He is pretty much over it, but right now it’s not a major deal and he’s looking forward to the game.”

Carrick’s words can be taken as a positive, that Fernandes is ‘pretty much’ over the injury – but they also reveal that the captain is not completely over the problem.

Bruno Fernandes likely to start

Michael Carrick’s comments suggest that Bruno Fernandes is in line to continue in Michael Carrick’s starting line-up.

But would it be such a bad thing if Fernandes was given a rest?

Fernandes has been struggling for form recently, he does not have a goal or assist for United since the Ipswich games at the end of August.

Mason Mount is waiting in the wings. He scored for United more recently than Fernandes, netting on his only start of the season, in the defeat to Brighton.