Michael Carrick has signalled his intent to press on with Bruno Fernandes as Manchester United captain, declaring there is "no decision to be made" on the matter as the club prepares for Saturday's Premier League visit to Chelsea.

The question arose after Carrick dropped Fernandes to the bench for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth — a result that deepened what is already the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Fernandes had publicly questioned Carrick's tactics following United's Champions League loss at Como the week prior.

Clear-the-air talks

Sky Sports News reported that the two held talks this week to clear the air. Harry Maguire wore the captain's armband in Fernandes' absence, prompting speculation over the captaincy's future. Carrick moved swiftly to put that speculation to rest.

"Bruno is fully committed to this football club. I've got no issues with that, we move forward," Carrick said at Thursday's pre-match press conference. "There's no decision to be made on that."

On his choice to exclude Fernandes from the starting eleven, Carrick remained firm. "It was a decision for the game. That's it," he said, maintaining the same position he had adopted on the day of the match itself.

Carrick dismisses need for assurances

With Manchester United's hierarchy — including chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox — meeting at Carrington this week to assess the team's direction, questions about Carrick's own future have intensified. Yet the manager refused to seek shelter in guarantees from above.

"I don't need assurances from anyone," Carrick said. "I totally get the position, I get the job, the responsibility, I get what comes with that. I really don't need any assurances from anyone in that regard."

Carrick also made clear that external criticism and media noise have not distracted him from his work. "I don't see it. I only see the things I need to see," he said. "I care about what the supporters think. I care about how it feels in the stadium and them travelling to games — I care about what we give them and what they see. I genuinely don't take any notice of anything else."

With Saturday's trip to Chelsea fast approaching, Carrick insisted his focus remains squarely on the pitch. "I know this job and I know what we need to be better. I don't need anyone else to tell me," he added.