Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has expressed his admiration for club legend Michael Carrick, stating that he would have loved the opportunity to play alongside the now-Middlesbrough manager. Despite the plethora of iconic players in Manchester United’s history, Fernandes highlighted his appreciation for Carrick, who retired in 2018 after serving the Red Devils for 12 years.

Fernandes, who joined Manchester United in 2020, never shared the pitch with Carrick as a player. However, he did have the chance to collaborate with the Englishman during Carrick’s stint as the club’s interim manager. In three games under Carrick’s guidance, Fernandes notched one goal and one assist.

Describing Carrick as an exceptional No. 6 known for his adept passing, Fernandes acknowledged that Carrick often operated away from the spotlight despite his significant contributions to the club. The 29-year-old praised Carrick’s pivotal role in distributing balls to the attacking players, emphasizing his importance to the team.

Carrick’s illustrious career at Manchester United spanned 12 years, during which he secured 18 trophies, including five Premier League titles and one Champions League triumph. Amassing 464 appearances, Carrick showcased his versatility by scoring 24 goals and providing 36 assists.

Meanwhile, Fernandes has emerged as a key player for Manchester United in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era. With 71 goals and 61 assists in 217 appearances, the Portuguese attacking midfielder has played a pivotal role in the club’s recent campaigns.