Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the side’s trip to Chelsea, after a turbulent few days that saw the skipper dropped to the bench. Sources told BBC Sport the pair spoke privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, with the talks aimed at airing issues between them.
Bruno Fernandes (Credits: BBC Sport)
Why Carrick and Fernandes Needed Clear-the-Air Talks
Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday. The Portuguese midfielder, who was made club captain in 2023, had been dropped to the bench after criticising Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss against Como in the Champions League. It is unclear whether Fernandes apologised for his criticism during Tuesday’s talks, but the conversation appears to have cleared the way for him to return.
United are preparing for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea at 12:30 GMT, when Fernandes could return to the starting line-up. The timing matters: with the club languishing in 16th place in the Premier League and having managed just one victory in eight league matches this term, Carrick needs his captain back onside and on the pitch.
Carrick Keeps His Job Despite Bournemouth Defeat
Carrick was widely expected to be sacked following the Bournemouth game, but he will take charge of the match at Stamford Bridge. United’s board decided the 45-year-old deserved the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford, despite the poor run. There was further good news for Carrick on Wednesday, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returning to training after a fortnight out through injury.
Senior figures at the club are said to feel the predicament is not entirely Carrick’s fault. The board reportedly believes the squad is capable of qualifying for the Champions League and that the players are underperforming badly and should shoulder some of the blame. One player told BBC Sport: “The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone.”
Even so, contingency planning appears to be under way. Sources told BBC Sport the club have shortlisted former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Carrick. Any move for Howe would trigger a multi-million-pound compensation claim from Newcastle, while Nagelsmann is a free agent.
For now, though, the focus is Saturday. A reconciled captain, a returning young midfielder and a head coach given one more chance to turn things around: United’s trip to Chelsea has become a defining afternoon for Carrick’s reign, whatever comes after it.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.