Michael Carrick heaped praise on player of the year contender Bruno Fernandes for the influence and quality he has displayed with Manchester United this season. The 31-year-old has flourished since turning down overtures from Saudi Arabia last summer, leading the Red Devils with aplomb and providing 18 assists in their push for Champions League qualification. Fernandes is just two shy of Kevin De Bruyne and Thierry Henry’s assist record in a single Premier League season and is considered among the frontrunners for the PFA and FWA end-of-season accolades. Asked how he gets the best out of the Portugal playmaker, United head coach Carrick said: “Certainly, personally, I think giving Bruno the platform to go and perform. Michael Carrick (left) gives instructions to Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes (Getty) “Like all the players, I think we’re trying to create the structure and a team set-up, really, to try to bring out the best of everyone within that.…