The tools Carrick gives Fernandes to perform

Captain Fernandes has spearheaded United's rise to third in the Premier League table under Carrick, producing a combined 13 goals and assists across 12 games in that period.

After teeing up Matheus Cunha's winner at Chelsea on Saturday, he's now just two assists off the division's all-time record, and has emphatically moved to the centre of the conversation for the Premier League's Player of the Season award.

United have five games to go and, ahead of the first of those, against Brentford, Michael was asked in his pre-match press conference about what he has done to help facilitate that form.

“Certainly, personally, I think we've given Bruno the platform to go and perform, like all the players, I think we're trying to create the structure and a team set-up to try to bring out the best of everyone within that,” Carrick told journalists in part one of the press conference, conducted at Carrington on Thursday afternoon.

“There are obviously limitations in terms of everyone's got to sacrifice a little bit for the good of the team. But, for me, I like seeing Bruno in attacking positions with a little bit of freedom. 

“He obviously plays for the team, and he has a big responsibility within that, and I thought he did that ever so well, especially on Saturday, without the ball and the defensive work that he did. So, he's got big responsibility within that. 

“But trusting him, he's a very good player, he sees things, he's creative, he's got a really good brain, he's a big part of the group as well and a big influence. So, a lot of it is trust and trying to put him in a position where we think he can make the biggest difference really.”

Fernandes's impact has been no surprise to Carrick, particularly as the latter was on the coaching staff when Bruno first arrived at the club, from Sporting, six years ago.

The pair worked closely together before Michael's departure in 2021, and the boss thinks his captain has only got better since then.

“I've known Bruno a long time and worked with him when he was here, when he came to the club. So, it hasn't surprised me,” Carrick added, responding to a follow-up question.

“I knew exactly what he could bring. I think, over time, you kind of evolve and experience helps and you can certainly see that he's grown as well in a real positive way. 

“So, he's just a big influence, he's had a big impact and he's playing ever so well at the moment, so we're delighted with that.”

Part two of the press conference will be published across our platforms at 22:30 BST on Sunday (26 April).