Carrick vows rest for Fernandes as Man Utd juggle fatigue

Michael Carrick has promised a rest for Bruno Fernandes after the Portuguese playmaker completed the full 90 minutes in Man Utd’s Champions League opener against Sabah, a match that marked his fourth successive full game and yielded his fourth goal of the hectic start to the season.

Comments Sport Tyrone Marshall and Daniel Orme Sports Writer 15:26, 11 Sep 2026 View 2 Images. Image: Getty Images showed the star limping away from Old Trafford after the win over Sabah. Carrick admitted he ran out of substitutions and promised the Portuguese star a rest soon. “We only had five subs! We had to make certain decisions on what that looked like,” the United boss said.

Fitness concerns beyond Fernandes

Another worry for the Red Devils is left‑back Luke Shaw, who was omitted from the Sabah line‑up. Carrick explained, “He wasn’t quite ready for it 100 percent, so we didn’t risk it.” Marcus Rashford also missed the game, though Carrick insisted there was no injury.

Carrick also hinted at a precautionary approach, saying a little load‑sharing was needed. “We’ve got good options, so we’re trying to keep everyone fresh,” he added, noting that Ben Šeško could get minutes to ease the burden.

Upcoming clash with Manchester City

United now face a Manchester City side at Old Trafford, a team that sits top of the early table after three wins and recently beat Porto in their Champions League opener. The fixture adds pressure to manage the squad ahead of the derby.

The contrast between Fernandes’ hectic start – four full games and four goals – and the promise of rest highlights the balancing act for Carrick ON the training ground. While the Red Devils aim to stay fresh, the looming City encounter tests the depth of the squad.

If Carrick can rotate effectively, United may keep their momentum in both the Premier League and the Champions League; if not, fatigue could undermine their ambitions.