Michael Carrick plays down Bruno Fernandes worry before Sunderland v Manchester United | OneFootball

Michael Carrick has moved to allay fears over Bruno Fernandes after the Manchester United midfielder was taken off in stoppage time of the 3-2 win against Liverpool, a result that confirmed United’s return to the Champions League.

Fernandes felt discomfort following a first-half challenge at Old Trafford but played on after the break and remained until the closing moments. According to Sunderland Echo, his withdrawal prompted concern ahead of Sunderland’s Premier League meeting with United at the Stadium of Light next weekend, although Carrick said there was no injury behind the call.

The Portugal international has rarely been substituted since the former Middlesbrough boss took charge, and this change followed earlier attacking switches, with Leny Yoro sent on to help close the game. Fernandes influenced proceedings without a goal or assist, seeing a header diverted by Freddie Woodman before Benjamin Sesko threatened.

“To be honest, it was just a minute or so to go and [we wanted] to get Leny on the pitch,” Carrick said after the game at Old Trafford against the reigning Premier League champions. “Obviously Joshua came on, Paddy came on, and Amad came on as well, and there was nothing behind that apart from that.”

Sunderland hope to have extra attacking options available. 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