Michael Carrick eases Bruno Fernandes injury concern before Sunderland v Manchester United | OneFootball

Michael Carrick has played down fears over Bruno Fernandes’ fitness after the Manchester United midfielder was withdrawn in stoppage time of the 3-2 win against Liverpool, with Sunderland up next. According to Sunderland Echo, there was no injury behind the call.

Fernandes appeared in discomfort after a first-half challenge at Old Trafford, but he continued after the interval and stayed on until added time as United secured a result that confirmed their Champions League return. His late substitution caused some anxiety before next weekend’s Premier League trip to the Stadium of Light.

Carrick explained the change was simply to get Leny Yoro on with only a minute left to help see out the game. He noted Joshua, Paddy and Amad had already come off the bench and said there was nothing more to it.

The Portugal international has been central under Carrick and is rarely taken off. He impressed again against Liverpool without a goal or assist, seeing a header diverted by Freddie Woodman before Benjamin Sesko went close.

Sunderland expect to have more attacking options after recent injuries. Règis Le Bris recently confirmed Bertrand Traoré and Nilson Angulo are close to returning, while Dan Ballard is expected to miss out through suspension after his red card at Wolves. Joecelin Ta Bi was back on the bench at Molineux and is expected to be available again this weekend.

Source: Sunderland Echo