(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes are said to have held a ‘clear-the-air’ meeting together on Tuesday.
The pair met face-to-face to discuss their recent conflict, which saw Fernandes openly criticise Carrick and the coaching staff’s tactical decisions for Manchester United’s 4-1 defeat to Como last week.
It resulted in the captain being benched for the entirety of Sunday’s loss to Bournemouth, though Carrick insisted Fernandes’ omission was purely a footballing decision.
Carrick and Fernandes make amends
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 17: Michael Carrick speaks to Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on January 17, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The Portugal star has gone eight games without registering a goal contribution for United, so you could perhaps believe that Carrick thought it best to leave him out.
However, the fact they’ve met one-on-one to hold talks suggests tension did need to be cleared between the pair, especially as talkSPORT claims that the 32-year-old is now in line to return to the starting XI for Saturday’s clash with Chelsea.
.@talkSPORT understands Michael Carrick cleared the air with Bruno Fernandes, with the Captain expected to start at Chelsea. Talks took place between the manager and Fernandes before training today, after the Portuguese was left out at the weekend. — Alex Crook ⚽️🎙 (@alex_crook) October 28, 2026
Even amidst his torrid run of form, Fernandes remains United’s most influential player in attack, which has been the case since he joined back in January 2020.
Carrick: The state of play
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, acknowledges the fans after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Meanwhile, fans and pundits were expecting Carrick to be relieved of his duties at the start of the week, but INEOS have decided to give him the chance to turn things around.
Emotional exit by Michael Carrick as fans sing his name. A farewell? Supporters turn on players once Carrick down tunnel.#MUFC pic.twitter.com/WLYqqHg6vF — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 25, 2026
After facing the Blues this weekend, United host AS Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday, November 3, before also welcoming in-form Aston Villa to Old Trafford next Sunday.
It’s then the international break, so poor results over the next week-and-a-half could lead to a managerial change when club action hits pause.
MILAN, ITALY - JANUARY 20: Wayne Rooney looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD7 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Arsenal FC at Stadio San Siro on January 20, 2026 in Milan, Italy.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Harry Maguire of Manchester United pats Marcus Tavernier of Bournemouth before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England.
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 24: Xabi Alonso, Manager of Chelsea, looks on before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Fulham and Chelsea FC at Craven Cottage on August 24, 2026 in London, England.
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