Bruno Fernandes is 'an example every day' to his Man Utd teammates says Carrick

Bruno Fernandes is "an example every day" to his Manchester United teammates says Michael Carrick.

The United captain stole the show again last weekend in the 5-2 win over Ipswich Town, and Carrick was speaking ahead of Sunday's upcoming clash with Everton.

Fernandes was at the centre of United's first home victory of the season, scoring a hat-trick and providing a superb assist for Bryan Mbeumo as Carrick's side responded emphatically to their opening-day defeat at Hull City.

The Portugal international had already been named PFA Player of the Year before producing another match-winning display at Old Trafford, with his latest performance prompting Gary Neville to describe him as United's best signing since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Carrick was full of praise for his captain afterwards and was keen to highlight the example Fernandes sets away from the spotlight.

"I've spoken an awful lot about Bruno, and I think it just shows what he can do," Carrick said.

"I think how important he is for us, and the impact that he has. He's done it over such a long period of time and since we've started working together again, I think he's been nothing but positive all the way through.

"He's set the example every day. He trains well, his attitude is spot-on, he's desperate to win, he's desperate to do well, and then he puts in performances like that."

Fernandes' latest goals took his tally for Manchester United to 113, underlining the remarkable contribution he has made since arriving at Old Trafford.

The 31-year-old remains the focal point of United's side despite the club's summer midfield rebuild, with Carrick adding Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba to his options.

But Fernandes once again demonstrated why he remains so important.

His equaliser against Ipswich changed the momentum of the game after the visitors had taken an early lead, before his penalty put United firmly in control. He completed his hat-trick after the break and then provided the pass for Mbeumo to add United's fifth.

Carrick acknowledged that Fernandes inevitably attracts the headlines but insisted the victory was built on a collective response.

"Bruno is the first to admit it's a team game and I thought there were other individuals in the team that had a fantastic afternoon," Carrick said.

"Bruno gets the headlines, and I understand why. Rightly so, because the quality of his moments was pretty special at the weekend.

"I'm definitely sure there will be more of them as the season goes on."