Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the team’s trip to Chelsea. The meeting came after Fernandes was left out of the squad for the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.
The 32-year-old Portuguese was an unused substitute in that match. He was dropped to the bench after criticising Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League.
Sources say the pair spoke privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, with the talks aimed at airing issues. It is unclear whether Fernandes, who was made club captain in 2023, apologised for his critical 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 a reprieve
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth game, but he will take charge at Stamford Bridge. The 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 with injury.
Carrick has managed just one victory in eight Premier League matches this season. Even so, the board does not see the club’s predicament as entirely his fault. Senior figures believe the squad, which they consider capable of qualifying for the Champions League, is 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
Nevertheless, sources say the club have shortlisted former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Carrick.
Appointing Howe would trigger a multi-million-pound compensation claim from his former club Newcastle. Nagelsmann is a free agent.