Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the team’s trip to Chelsea, after Fernandes was dropped for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
Sources said the pair spoke privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, with the talks aimed at airing issues. It is unclear whether Fernandes, 32, who was made club captain in 2023, apologised for his critical comments.
Fernandes dropped after criticism
Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth. He had been dropped to the bench after criticising Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. He could return to the starting line-up when United face Chelsea on Saturday at 12:30 GMT.
Carrick given a reprieve
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth game. Instead, he will take charge of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge. The board decided the 45-year-old deserved the chance to turn things around at Old Trafford, even though the club are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Carrick has managed just one victory in eight Premier League matches this season. Even so, the board does not believe the situation is entirely his fault. Senior figures at the club feel the players, a squad they believe 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.”
Good news on the injury front
Carrick received further positive news on Wednesday, as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Possible successors named
Despite the reprieve, sources said 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 Newcastle, his former club. Nagelsmann is a free agent.