"Really intelligent": Carrick praises £47m Man Utd star ahead of West Ham game

Manchester United interim manager Michael Carrick has heaped praise on midfielder Bruno Fernandes ahead of the Premier League game against West Ham United at the London Stadium tomorrow.

The Red Devils are presently on a four-match winning league streak under Carrick and have the opportunity to extend the run when they face the Hammers in east London on Tuesday evening.

Ahead of the encounter, Carrick was asked plenty of questions. One of those was regarding Fernandes, who recently said that Carrick has the credentials to become a great manager in the future.

In response, the 44-year-old said that he has known Fernandes for quite some time. He continued to describe the £47 million signing as a ‘really intelligent’ footballer, who cares a lot for the club.

Carrick said: “Yeah, no, I’ve known Bruno for quite some time, you know, really pretty well, and seeing him the odd time when I’ve left the club and bumped into him at times.

“So, I’ve got a really good relationship with him, you know. I understand how much he’s a really intelligent footballer.

“He’s bright, he cares a lot for this club, so in terms of that side of it, we all want the same thing, you know.”

Fernandes has been a tremendous signing for the Red Devils since he arrived from Sporting CP.

The Portugal international recently made his 200th goal contribution for the Mancunian giants. He became the second-fastest to achieve the feat, after legendary forward Wayne Rooney.

Fernandes has notched up six goals and 12 assists in the league season. He is on course to break David Beckham’s competition assist record for the Red Devils, which stands at 15 (1999/2000).

The Premier League record is held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne at 20, and Fernandes could come close to that feat if United continue their winning streak going forward.

United have won four league games on the bounce, but face a stern challenge against the Hammers, who have beaten them in four of the previous six meetings, drawing one too.

West Ham have been a bogey club for the Red Devils in recent times. The same was the case with Spurs before United secured a comfortable 2-0 win over the north London side last weekend.

Carrick will aim for a similar outcome as United seek to boost their Champions League prospects. The club are currently fourth in the table with 44 points, one ahead of Chelsea and five in front of Liverpool.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .