Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held private talks to clear the air, sources have confirmed. The discussions took place at the club's training ground on Tuesday, with the aim of addressing issues that have arisen between the two. Fernandes was an unused substitute during United's 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday, having been dropped to the bench after criticising Carrick's tactics following the 4-1 loss against Como in the Champions League.
Fernandes, 32, was made club captain in 2023 and could return to the starting line-up for Saturday's trip to Chelsea. The talks between Carrick and Fernandes come as United prepare for the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge, which kicks off at 12:30 GMT. Carrick was widely expected to be sacked following the Bournemouth game, but he will take charge of the Chelsea match. The 45-year-old's future at Old Trafford has been uncertain, with the team languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.
Despite managing just one victory in eight Premier League matches this term, the predicament at the club is not seen as being entirely Carrick's fault by the board. Senior figures at the club feel United's players – a squad they think are capable of qualifying for the Champions League – are underperforming badly and should shoulder some blame. The board has decided to give Carrick the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford.
One player told BBC Sport that the feeling among the team is that they all want to put things right. "The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone," the player said. This sentiment is shared by the club's hierarchy, who believe that the players have the talent to improve their current situation.
There was further good news for Carrick on Wednesday, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returning to training after a fortnight out through injury. Mainoo's return could provide a boost to the team, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistency this season. The club will be hoping that Mainoo's return can help to turn their fortunes around.
Despite the current situation, sources have told BBC Sport that 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 decision to appoint Howe would trigger a multi-million-pound compensation claim from his former club Newcastle, while Nagelsmann is a free agent.
The talks between Carrick and Fernandes, and the return of Mainoo to training, have provided a positive boost to the team ahead of the Chelsea match. However, the club's future remains uncertain, with many questions surrounding Carrick's position and the team's overall performance. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the direction of the club.
Key points
- Manchester United's Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes had private talks to address issues between them.
- The club's board has given Carrick the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford despite a poor run of form.
- Manchester United have shortlisted Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as potential replacements for Carrick.
