'Bruno's as good as ever' – Carrick backs Man Utd captain

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick says captain Bruno Fernandes' commitment to the club is "undoubted" and the midfielder is "as good as ever". Bruno Fernandes' penalty sparked Manchester United's second-half revival against Roma in the Champions League Fernandes was left on the bench for October's home defeat by Bournemouth after criticising Carrick and his coaching staff in the wake of the 4-1 Champions League hammering in Como. Restored to the team for the Premier League defeat by Chelsea a week later, Fernandes scored a retaken penalty to spark his side's stunning second-half comeback against Roma on Tuesday. Portugal international Fernandes said afterwards there had been "a lot of lies" reported about his relationship with Carrick.

The 32-year-old rejected the notion there had been "clear-the-air talks" between the pair – something which had been confirmed by club sources. "I think his actions, the way he's played and how he dealt with even retaking the penalty and frame of mind he was in for that, tells [you] everything," Carrick said. A half-time speech, a retaken penalty – and a win to save Carrick's job? Carrick refused to discuss the detail of his conversations with Fernandes following the Bournemouth loss, but says discussions are part of everyday life at Carrington. "There are always conversations, and bits going on," he said. "It's acknowledging