Manchester United’s interim manager, Michael Carrick, has implemented significant changes not only on the pitch but also in the team’s approach to free time. Following the departure of Ruben Amorim, Carrick has relaxed restrictions on player holidays, allowing players like Bruno Fernandes and Senne Lammens to take advantage of their time off.
Since taking over just over a month ago, Carrick has guided the team to four consecutive victories before a loss to West Ham denied him a fifth. With an early exit from the FA Cup, United has enjoyed a lengthy break, with their next match scheduled for February 23, 2024, against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. This 13-day gap has provided players with the opportunity to travel without the previous restrictions imposed by Amorim.
Fernandes and Lammens have both seized the chance to reconnect with friends during this period. Lammens returned to Belgium, visiting his former club Royal Antwerp. The Belgian team shared a photo of the goalkeeper enjoying the snow. Lammens, who made a name for himself at Antwerp before joining Manchester United for £18.2 million, witnessed his former team fall to a 2-0 defeat against Westerlo, marking their fourth loss in five league matches as they sit in 11th place after 25 games.
Meanwhile, Fernandes was spotted at a match in Portugal, where he attended the game between Pacos de Ferreira and Torreense. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, a result that offers little relief for Pacos as they continue to battle relegation. Reports from Portugal indicate that Fernandes made the journey to catch up with his friend, Francisco Ramos, who plays for Pacos. The two previously teamed up for Portugal’s Under-21 side, and Ramos expressed his appreciation for Fernandes’s support.
“It’s always special. He’s someone close to me and my family,” Ramos said, as quoted by A Bola. “Furthermore, it’s always special to have a figure like him from our football watching us. It enhances Portuguese football and Pacos de Ferreira, and I’m happy to have him close by.”
As Carrick continues to establish his presence at Manchester United, his approach to player management appears to be fostering a more relaxed atmosphere off the field, allowing players to build connections and recharge during crucial breaks in the season.
