‘What a difference’: Deeney raves over Carrick’s impact on ‘creative’ Man Utd star in Team of the Week picks

Bruno Fernandes has unsurprisingly been named in Troy Deeney’s Premier League Team of the Week.The Manchester United talisman etched his name onto the scoresheet against Tottenham Hotspur to secure all three points – and therefore a fourth successive win – with an 81st-minute goal at Old Trafford.His decisive strike came after he had assisted at least once in the last four league outings following his return from a brief injury layoff, which has now taken his goal contributions in red up to a stunning 200.Bruno Fernandes makes United history with goal vs Spurs(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)The 314 games that it took Fernandes to achieve such a feat are only bettered by Wayne Rooney’s time to reach the milestone, as the club legend did so in 295 matches. Bruno Fernandes has now reached 200 goal contributions for Man United: 🏟️ 314 matches⚽️ 104 goals🎁 96 assists Only Wayne Rooney (295) hit the milestone in fewer appearances 👏 pic.twitter.com/BHTGuGQrny — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) February 7, 2026After including the Portuguese star in his picks for matchweek 25, Deeney said (via BBC Sport): “What a difference a manager makes – being able to be free, get on the ball, go wherever he wants and be creative. I think Michael Carrick takes a lot of credit for that but again, another goal for him against Spurs, another win for United – he has to go in.”How United’s result impacts the table(Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Saturday’s win strengthened United’s standing in the top-four race, with the side still holding a one-point lead over fifth-placed Chelsea while sitting only three points adrift of third-placed Aston Villa, whom they face on March 15.Liverpool’s subsequent, dramatic defeat to Manchester City yesterday evening meant that the Reds are now five points clear of their arch-rivals. Premier League table at the end of Gameweek 25: pic.twitter.com/x3KgQYpkpq — utdreport (@utdreport) February 8, 2026Carrick’s side don’t play Liverpool again until the closing stages of the season on May 2 at Old Trafford, by which point the race for Champions League football may be as good as wrapped up if results keep going in United’s favour.