Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the club’s trip to Chelsea.
Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute in United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday. The Portuguese had been dropped to the bench after he criticised 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. He could return to the starting line-up when United face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (12:30 GMT).
Carrick given another chance
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth game, but the board has decided the 45-year-old deserves the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford. United are languishing in 16th place in the Premier League, and Carrick has managed just one victory in eight league matches this season.
The board does not regard the predicament as entirely Carrick’s fault. Senior figures at the club believe the squad, which they consider capable of qualifying for the Champions League, is underperforming badly and should share some of the blame.
One player said: “The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone.”
There was further positive news for Carrick on Wednesday, as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Potential 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 Newcastle, while Nagelsmann is a free agent.