Bruno Fernandes returns to Man United team for loss at Chelsea a week after being dropped by Carrick

LONDON (AP) — Bruno Fernandes was restored to Manchester United's team for the 2-0 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, a week after being dropped following criticism of under-pressure manager Michael Carrick's tactics.

The Portugal star played the full game at Stamford Bridge and retained the captaincy, which Carrick confirmed in his pre-match news conference Thursday while also saying Fernandes was “fully committed” to United.

Fernandes — the player of the year in English soccer last season — was named among the replacements for the embarrassing 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth on Sunday, days after critical comments about how Carrick set up the team in a 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.

Fernandes never made it onto the field despite being sent out to warm up and Carrick making four second-half substitutions.

“He cares deeply about this football club and the team and he’s desperate to do well,” Carrick said about Fernandes on Thursday, "so we will lead that together.”

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