Manchester United manager Michael Carrick confirmed Bruno Fernandes will retain the captain's armband despite being benched for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth. Carrick dropped the Portugal midfielder for outspoken comments about the team's tactics but insists there's no decision to make on the captaincy.
"There is no decision to be made on [the captaincy]," Carrick said. "It will be Bruno. He's an important player for this group. He has been and he will be." Carrick added that Fernandes will return to the starting lineup against Chelsea on Saturday.
Harry Maguire wore the armband during the Bournemouth loss. Carrick has kept his job following discussions with the club hierarchy despite an eight-game winless run and the team's worst start to a league season since 1986.
On the injury front, Kobbie Mainoo could return after training this week, but striker Benjamin Sesko faces an extended layoff with a shin injury. Sesko has not played since the Carabao Cup defeat against Brighton on Sept. 16 and is expected to be out until the New Year.
Source: ESPN Soccer · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing