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 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.
Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute at Old Trafford. 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 comments.
Fernandes could return against Chelsea
United prepare for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge (12:30 GMT), where Fernandes could return to the starting line-up.
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth game, but the board has decided the 45-year-old deserves the chance to turn things around, despite the team sitting 16th in the Premier League. There was also good news for him on Wednesday, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returning to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Carrick has won just one of his 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.”
Possible replacements identified
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.