Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks before the club’s trip to Chelsea, after Fernandes was left out of the squad for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute in that match. He had been dropped to the bench after criticising Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.
Private talks at the training ground
Sources said the pair spoke privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, with the discussion aimed at airing their issues. It is unclear whether Fernandes, who was made club captain in 2023, apologised for his comments.
United prepare for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea (12:30 GMT), when Fernandes could return to the starting line-up.
Carrick given another chance
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth game, but he will still take charge at Stamford Bridge. The United board decided the 45-year-old deserved the chance to turn things around at Old Trafford, even though the team sit 16th in the Premier League.
There was further good news for Carrick on Wednesday, as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Carrick has managed just one victory in eight Premier League matches this season. However, the board does not see the club’s predicament as entirely his fault. Senior figures believe the players, a squad they think is capable of qualifying for the Champions League, are underperforming badly and should share the blame.
One player said: “The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone.”
Possible replacements considered
Sources also revealed that the club have shortlisted former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Carrick. Appointing Howe would trigger a multi-million-pound compensation claim from Newcastle, his former club, while Nagelsmann is a free agent.