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Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has been compelled to explain how he managed Bruno Fernandes after the club captain was seen limping following the midweek win over Sabah. Although he made a number of changes to his side during the Champions League encounter, the Portuguese playmaker stayed on the pitch for the entire match.

The fatigue factor for United's captain

Fernandes has had a punishing start to the new season, playing every single minute of Manchester United’s first four matches. The 32-year-old has continued to be a central figure in Carrick's team, scoring four goals in that period, including an important effort in the recent 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah FK at Old Trafford. But that heavy workload appears to have had an immediate effect, with viral footage after the match showing the captain limping badly alongside medical staff as he left the stadium.

Carrick admitted that although he had planned to rotate his squad, the pattern of the Sabah game meant Fernandes had to remain on the field until the final whistle. The manager fully recognises the physical burden being placed on his key captain, but said the call to keep him on was one of necessity during the contest.

Carrick explains substitution dilemma

Speaking about the choice to leave Fernandes on while others were taken off, Carrick pointed to the restrictions of the current substitution rules and the tactical demands of the side in the second half. "We only had five subs! We had to make certain decisions on what that looked like," said Carrick. "But, of course, he's like anybody else. He has played an awful lot, but I think we're developing the group and the squad to be able to accommodate that in different ways."

The United boss was quick to reassure the player, acknowledging that rest will be needed to help him get through a packed season. Carrick expanded on the situation against Sabah, adding: "Tonight was just one of those things, there were decisions to be made and he ended up staying on."

Defensive concerns and Shaw's status

Fernandes is not the only selection issue troubling Carrick before Sunday’s high-pressure clash against Manchester City. Luke Shaw was a notable absentee from the squad that took on Sabah, prompting questions over whether he will be ready for the derby. Carrick was careful in his update on the England international’s condition, saying: "We'll have to see. We just kind of looked after him a little bit going into tonight. He wasn't quite ready for it 100 per cent, so we didn't risk it. We'll see how he is over the next couple of days or so."

The possible absence of Shaw would be a major setback for the Red Devils as they get ready to face a City side that has been ruthless in the final third. Carrick is trying to balance the need for defensive solidity with the reality of his players' fitness levels.

Managing the load for Rashford and Sesko

While injuries remain a concern, Carrick was able to give a more encouraging update on Marcus Rashford, who also sat out the midweek fixture. The manager confirmed that Rashford’s absence was entirely tactical, aimed at making sure he stays in peak physical shape for the weekend. "A little bit of that, yeah, and trying to share the load a little bit, to a point, as well," Carrick explained when asked whether the decision was precautionary.

Carrick also underlined the importance of bringing in new talent such as Benjamin Sesko, who benefited from the rotation against Sabah. "We've got good options, so we're trying to keep everyone fresh, but with a point where Ben can get good minutes tonight and get him up to speed," the manager concluded.