Bruno Fernandes did not know Michael Carrick was leaving Manchester United as he shared an emotional moment with the Manchester United hero after the victory over Arsenal.
The Portuguese playmaker, 27, scored an important equaliser as United came from behind to defeat the Gunners 3-2 in the Premier League in a thrilling encounter on Thursday.
It marked Carrick’s third and final game as caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s sacking in November, with Ralf Rangnick taking the reins for Sunday’s 1-0 win over Crystal Palace.
Just 10 minutes after the full-time whistle blew against Arsenal in midweek, United released a statement confirming Carrick was leaving the club with immediate effect following 15 years on their books as a midfielder, coach then caretaker.
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Carrick claimed he did not inform his players of his decision until they were in the dressing room celebrating their victory so as not to distract them ahead of an important fixture.
Speaking after the match, the former England international told Amazon Prime Video Sport: “I told the players just now – it’s a little bit emotional in the changing room.
“I held it together, just about! It’s not been easy to keep quiet about it for the last few days but I had a job to do.
“I’m not the important one here, and I was desperate to win the game for the players and the fans. It was a big night for us.”
However, some suspected United’s players did in fact know of Carrick’s intention to leave after Fernandes appeared to make a touching gesture at full-time.
Having been substituted in the 90th minute, the player rose from the bench and made straight for the caretaker manager to give him a warm embrace when referee Martin Atkinson drew the match to a close.
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However, a fresh report from The Athletic claims Fernandes had no idea of Carrick’s decision at that point, and only learned of his imminent departure in the dressing room.
His post-match interview was cut short so he could be present for the announcement, which is believed to have been met with a melancholic atmosphere.
The report adds the real reason for Fernandes’ hug with Carrick was him accepting his benching in the 2-0 win at Villarreal in the Champions League the previous week.
The player subsequently heaped praise on Carrick and backed him to become a “top coach”.
Bruno Fernandes had no idea Michael Carrick was leaving Man Utd when pair embraced
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