Ruben Amorim's assistant has become the first member of the former Man United boss's camp to break his silence after the Portuguese coach was sacked on Monday.
Amorim learned of his fate less than 24 hours after blasting the Red Devils board in an explosive rant at Elland Road following his side's 1-1 draw with Leeds United.
Daily Mail Sport understands the 40-year-old left staff at Carrington surprised as he strolled out of the training complex laughing and joking with his coaching team, seemingly with the weight of the world off their shoulders.
Amorim was seen later that day looking jubilant on a walk around his Cheshire neighbourhood, even offering a wave and a smile to photographers. But neither the former Sporting Lisbon boss nor his staff had spoken since his dismissal - until now.
Carlos Fernandes, who moved from the Portuguese capital along with Amorim in November 2024, posted on Instagram to thank everyone at the club for their support.
He wrote: 'Thank you, Manchester United. Thank you to the world-class players I had the privilege to coach and to learn from. Thank you to the staff members who showed true support. Thank you to the fans who stood by us.
'In the end, working at a football club of this dimension doesn't just test your knowledge - it reveals character. A special chapter in my life. Proud to have served as assistant manager of Manchester United.'
The hierarchy at Old Trafford wasted little time beginning their search for Amorim's interim successor, with Darren Fletcher taking over the team in the meantime.
The former United midfielder will take charge this evening against Burnley at Turf Moor while director of football Jason Wilcox deliberates over what Daily Mail Sport understands is a two-horse race between Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick for the role until the end of the season.
Figures at United are believed to have spoken to both candidates already, but are waiting to meet the two United legends in person before making a final decision.
Solskjaer, sacked by Besiktas earlier this season, emerged as a leading contender for the role on Tuesday as he bids to make an emotional return to the club more than four years after his first stint as manager ended.
Ironically, Carrick stepped in as caretaker for three games when Solskjaer was sacked in November 2021.
Carrick is available after he was sacked from his first managerial job at Middlesbrough in June. It's understood that United are giving the 44-year-old former England midfielder serious consideration.
Ruud van Nistelrooy, who took over on an interim basis last season when Erik ten Hag was dismissed, was initially under consideration but is now out of the running.
Fletcher will nevertheless also be staking a claim for a more permanent managerial gig, with his first test coming this evening before an FA Cup clash with Brighton on the weekend, a fixture for which he is likely to still be in situ.
The 41-year-old Scot admitted that taking charge of United is 'beyond his wildest dreams', but said he will leave any talks over his long-term future with Wilcox until after the game.
'I've had a conversation and the focus was on this game,' he said. 'I've got a game to prepare for, a training session to organise, and I've been speaking to the players. The focus has been on the Burnley match and we'll speak after the game.'
Fletcher will be assisted by Under-21s coaches Travis Binnion and Alan Wright, as well as Jonny Evans who has returned to the club after leaving his post as loan manager in December.
Both Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount are expected to return to the first-team squad against Burnley after recovering from their respective injuries.
