Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the team’s trip to Chelsea, days after Fernandes was dropped for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.
Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute at Old Trafford. He had been left out after criticising Carrick’s tactics following United’s 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League. Sources have told us that 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.
United face Chelsea on Saturday at 12:30 GMT, and Fernandes could return to the starting line-up for the Stamford Bridge fixture.
Carrick given another chance
Carrick, 45, was widely expected to be sacked after the Bournemouth defeat. Instead, he will take charge at Stamford Bridge. The board decided he deserved the opportunity to turn things around, even though the team sit 16th in the Premier League.
There was further positive news for Carrick on Wednesday, when midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Carrick has managed just one win in eight Premier League matches this season. Even so, the board does not believe the club’s predicament is entirely his fault. Senior figures feel the players, a squad they believe is capable of qualifying for the Champions League, are 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.”
Possible replacements considered
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.