Carrick and Fernandes hold talks before Man Utd’s trip to Chelsea

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held private talks ahead of United’s trip to Chelsea on Saturday, after the midfielder was dropped for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.

BBC Sport reports that the pair spoke at the club’s training ground on Tuesday to air their differences. It is not known whether Fernandes apologised for criticising Carrick’s tactics after United’s 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como.

Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth. He could return to the starting line-up at Stamford Bridge, where Carrick will remain in charge despite United’s poor run and widespread discussion of the prospect of his dismissal.

The talks follow a week of uncertainty over Carrick’s future. United’s board has decided to give the 45-year-old an opportunity to turn things around, despite the team sitting 16th in the Premier League. The club’s one win in eight league matches has prompted concern, but senior figures reportedly believe the players are also underperforming.

A United player told BBC Sport: “The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone.” The club has also shortlisted former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and former Germany and Bayern Munich coach Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements, according to the report. Howe’s appointment would involve a multi-million-pound compensation claim from Newcastle, while Nagelsmann is a free agent.

Fernandes has captained United since 2023. His place in the starting side for Saturday’s match remains uncertain.