The club captain, who collected the Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year award at a London ceremony on Tuesday with Carrick present alongside him, spoke to reporters in the aftermath of the 3-2 win over Nottingham Forest that confirmed third place and Champions League qualification for next season.
Carrick has accumulated 36 Premier League points since taking charge as interim head coach in January — more than any other manager in the division across the same period. That return has convinced Manchester United's board to offer him a two-year contract with an option for a further year, and a broad agreement is understood to have been reached, with a formal announcement expected in the coming days.
Fernandes was asked directly whether Carrick could lead United to the title.
"I hope so, if he stays. I hope he's one that can take us back to the top of the Premier League because this is what all the players want."
He also reflected on what the final home game of the season represented, with Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia both leaving the club this summer after an emotional afternoon at Old Trafford.
"For Case, it was his last game at home, and it was very important for his farewell. We all know how much he meant to the fans. He had a moment where people did not believe in him and then he came back very strong with it. And then Tyrell, who was a player that gave us a lot in training. I know he hasn't played much, but he was very professional all the time, a kid who was always with a smile on his face trying to help everyone."
United have not won the Premier League title since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013. Louis van Gaal, José Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Rubén Amorim all tried and failed to restore domestic dominance at Old Trafford across that period. Fernandes was clear that his own commitment to the club is unconditional and extends to supporting whoever leads the team.
"It's not in my hands deciding who's going to be the next manager. I'm here to serve the club, whether that is a manager that comes in, or if he stays, I will serve them in the same way."
The season ends with a trip to Brighton on Sunday, a match that offers United the chance to finish with a flourish after a campaign that started in crisis and ended in the top three.