Bruno Fernandes made feelings clear on Michael Carrick before Man Utd appointment

Bruno Fernandes was left fuming when Michael Carrick left him out of the Manchester United team for his first game in charge, but the midfielder still predicted the former England international would be a 'really good manager'

Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United and Michael Carrick(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Bruno Fernandes was convinced that Michael Carrick would prove to be a "really good manager" if given the chance, despite his frustration at being dropped from his first Manchester United starting XI.

The former player turned assistant at Old Trafford has been without a role since his departure from Middlesbrough, but has taken the reins at Manchester until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim's dismissal.

A number of United's squad worked alongside Carrick during his time as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's assistant, before witnessing him step up as caretaker boss for three matches - securing two victories and one draw.

However, in his opening fixture, an away clash with Villarreal, he opted to bench Fernandes, instead handing Donny van de Beek a starting berth.

The Portuguese talisman confessed his irritation, making his feelings known to Carrick: "I've said to him I was really mad to be off on his first game and I tell him now at the end of this game," he revealed at the time.

Nevertheless, Fernandes harbored no doubts about Carrick's managerial potential: "Honestly for me Michael can be a really good manager in the future if he gets that chance. He knows how to speak, he knows a lot of football. He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen he can be a top coach.", reports the Mirror.

Carrick is in line to be the new Manchester United interim manager ahead of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer(Image: PA)

Carrick's mission is to secure a top-four finish and ensure Champions League football for United next season, a task made all the more crucial after Brighton dashed their FA Cup hopes on Sunday.

The 44 year old already has the support of several senior players, who approached the club's management expressing their preference for Carrick - not Solskjaer - to take the reins for the rest of the season. Despite being the favourite to replace Amorim, Solskjaer was ruled out when certain players voiced their lack of confidence in him to the club's bosses.

It's understood that Carrick's personality and coaching skills have won over United's senior players. Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Fernandes, Amad and Tom Heaton are the only remaining players at the club who experienced Carrick's brief tenure as manager.

United has now made the announcement, and the incoming interim boss will face a stern test. This weekend sees United hosting Manchester City before travelling to Arsenal.

Facing off against the league's top two teams will provide a clear indication of where the squad stands following a turbulent period.