Carrick hails Bruno's attitude

Fernandes, who made a positive impact from the bench in Spain, delivered when it mattered most to seal the victory in Group F, as his well-timed pass allowed Sancho to rifle home his first goal for the club.

Carrick, who will oversee his second game as caretaker boss at Chelsea this weekend, insists that all of his squad are itching to be involved in a United shirt, no more so than the ever-ready playmaker.

"Of course, every player wants to play in the big games,'' began the 40-year-old, as he addressed the media ahead of Sunday’s encounter at Stamford Bridge.

''I said it before the game that I was in such a fortunate position that I had some terrific players to choose from, that’s the responsibility I had.

"The only reaction that counts is the reaction you saw that Bruno had when he came on, by having such an influence on the game. Marcus [Rashford] as well, the two of them were fantastic when they came on. That’s what counts."

With Carrick having to adapt quickly following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s departure just days prior to the game with the Yellow Submarine, the Reds responded valiantly, ensuring Champions League last-16 qualification, with a game still left to play.

As current league leaders Chelsea prove a tough test this coming weekend for Fernandes and co, former United no.16 Carrick emphasised the importance of letting the football do the talking when putting on a red shirt.

"Everything else surrounding the game, surrounding the week, it matters what happens on the pitch and how you carry yourself and how you perform," he said.

"Bruno was fantastic when he came on, exactly what we hoped for and what ideas we had planned for the game. I was delighted with the outcome," concluded the caretaker boss.