Bruno Fernandes makes Michael Carrick managerial prediction after Man Utd exit

Bruno Fernandes has backed Michael Carrick to become a "top coach" after he opted to end his stay at Manchester United.

The 40-year-old's caretaker spell concluded with a comeback win against Arsenal at Old Trafford on Thursday night.

It means Carrick finishes his brief three-game spell without tasting defeat having also beaten Villarreal and drawn with Chelsea.

Fernandes was no stranger to Carrick's methods with the former player part of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's coaching staff.

The Portuguese star was suitably impressed and has backed the 2008 Champions League winner to achieve big things if and when he returns to the dugout.

Fernandes said: "He can be a really top manager in the future if he gets the chance. He knows how to speak, he knows a lot about football.

"He was one of the great players that not a lot of people talk about. For what I have seen, for me he can be a top coach."

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Carrick assumed a coaching position at Old Trafford after his retirement in 2018.

The 34-cap England international will have a wealth of experience to draw from having played under Sir Alex Ferguson, Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho.

He could've continued consuming information from top coaches had he stayed and worked under Ralf Rangnick.

The German was in the stands for the 3-2 win over Arsenal and will take charge of this weekend's game with Crystal Palace.

Carrick though felt it was the ideal time to walk away, allowing him and the new appointment a fresh start.

"After a lot of thought and deliberation, I have decided that now is the right time for me to leave," he said.

"It wasn't easy telling the players. In some ways you feel like you're leaving them in the lurch but sometimes you have to do what's right.

"I've loved working with them - they are a terrific group of players."

He also added: "It's 100% my decision. Over the last week I was conscious I respected the club and the manager coming in. I thought it was the right thing to do for the club and for Ralf. I'm quite happy with that.

"The loyalty to Ole is a little bit of a factor but there were a lot of things that came into my decision."

John Murtough, United's Football Director, said: "Michael leaves with the sincerest thanks and best wishes of everyone at Manchester United after 15 years of exceptional service to the club as a player and as a coach.

"While we are sad to see him go, we respect and understand Michael's decision."