Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick have held talks to clear the air ahead of Manchester United’s Saturday clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which kicks off at 12.30pm.
The pair had fallen out after Fernandes publicly criticised Carrick’s system following United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como. Fernandes was visibly frustrated as he shook his head after being substituted for Joshua Zirkzee in the second half. Carrick fired back at the club captain by suggesting that his tactics only work when players run enough. Fernandes was then dropped to the bench for the 3-0 home loss to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday and did not play a minute.
Carrick praises Fernandes after talks
Speaking after their discussion, Carrick said: “Listen, we’re clear with the situation of the team, and as a football club at the moment. As I’ve just said, he’s an important player for this group.
“He has been and he will be. Between us, we’ve got to make a difference and we’ve got to push things in a good direction.
“He’s fully committed to this football club, he’s fully committed to making things better. It doesn’t change for me. He’s the one that’s kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he’ll continue to do that.”
Fernandes breaks his silence
Fernandes has also broken his silence on social media for the first time since the falling out. On Friday afternoon, the 32-year-old posted a pre-match poster to his Instagram stories. It shows him running on the pitch, with his signature on the right.
Carrick will need his best players available as he faces growing pressure at the club. United sit 16th in the Premier League table, with just one win from their opening eight matches. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to watch the game in person at Stamford Bridge, and Carrick has limited time to turn the season around.
Carrick focuses on the group
Asked about the task ahead, Carrick said: “The outside is not anything for me to focus on.
“I know what we can affect, I know what we need to improve. I know as a group, leading a group, what help they need a little bit as well, and a bit of guidance at certain times, and dealing with certain things.
“That’s part of my direct role is them, who I care about and can affect the most directly. Of course we spoke.
“We have meetings as we do every single week, but some of the meetings go in different ways depending on results and the situation and the feeling. I have to say, the boys are hungry. We’re hurting because we haven’t won enough football games, but there’s an intensity, there’s a bit of an edge, there’s a disappointment, there’s a hunger to do better, for sure.”