Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes admits he expected to win more trophies during his time at Old Trafford but backs the new manager Michael Carrick.
The Portugal international, who joined United in January 2020, has won an FA Cup and a Carabao Cup so far, despite consistently being one of the Premier League’s standout performers. He was named Premier League Player of the Season after recording a record 21 assists and nine goals in 35 league appearances during the campaign.
United finished third in the Premier League to secure Champions League qualification, with Fernandes playing a key role in their strong second-half surge under head coach Michael Carrick.
Fernandes spent much of the first half of the season in a deeper midfield role before returning to a more advanced position, where he produced 14 assists in 18 matches.
“Obviously, I wanted to have won more, it wasn’t quite what I had expected for myself and for the club,” Fernandes said in an interview with ESPN. “But I had very good times. We managed to reach some finals, some of them we won, others we didn’t.”
“My goal has always been to win the biggest competitions and the Premier League is part of it. And I still have that dream in me and I hope to achieve it.”
He also said returning to the Champions League is a key objective, adding: “It’s the most important competition, where you can play against the most important teams in the world in Europe. It’s something that I want to do and I want to be at that level to play against the best.”
Carrick, who took over midway through the campaign following a coaching change, guided United to 12 wins, three draws and two defeats in 17 league matches, helping secure their top-three finish.
Fernandes praised the manager’s impact during the transition period.
“I think he brought a very positive energy to the team… a different way of playing, which was important for some players to find an escape to be protagonists again,” he said. “The results demonstrate that too. We hope that we will continue to do so.”
United forward Matheus Cunha also highlighted Carrick’s influence, describing his approach as “incredible” and crediting him with restoring a winning mentality at the club.
Carrick has since been confirmed as United’s permanent head coach following the strong end to the season.
