Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United and Bruno Fernandes
Getty
Fernandes (r) was an unused sub for United at the weekend
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held talks to clear the air ahead of their weekend fixture with Chelsea.
Carrick and Fernandes met at United's Carrington training ground for talks that were separate to a wider meeting of the full squad to discuss a way forward from their current predicament.
Fernandes appeared to question Carrick's tactics in the wake of last week’s 4-1 Champions League loss to Como, and was dropped for Sunday’s Premier League match at home to Bournemouth, remaining on the bench throughout as United fell to stunning 3-0 loss that piled the pressure on Carrick.
However, after the talks, Fernandes is now considered available for the crunch match at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
Sunday’s result left United down in 16th place in the Premier League with only one league win – over newly-promoted Ipswich – this term.
Many observers had expected the axe to fall on the boss in the wake of Sunday’s defeat, but Carrick took training on Tuesday with the club resolving to give the 45-year-old more time to turn things around.
Madrid, Spain - October 13: Lisandro Martinez of Manchester United and Kang-in Lee of Atletico de Madrid battle for the ball during the UEFA Champions League 2026/2027 match between Atlético de Madrid and Manchester United at Estadio Metropolitano on October 13, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Manu
Lisandro Martinez has also taken aim at the club hierarchy
Fernandes was the second player to make outspoken comments in a post-match interview in the space of two weeks, with Lisandro Martinez having taken aim at the club's hierarchy in an explosive interview following the 2-0 Champions League loss to Atletico Madrid on 13 October.
Carrick took charge of the team in January, stabilising the club after Ruben Amorim’s often turbulent reign, overseeing an excellent run of results which culminated in a third-placed finish and a return to the Champions League.
The popular former United midfielder was rewarded with a two-year deal in the summer, but just five months after signing it he has com under major scrutiny with United having won only two of their 12 matches in all competitions, those against Ipswich and Champions League minnows Sabah.
But while Carrick’s position in the dugout means he faces much of the scrutiny, Martinez’s comments in Madrid focused higher up the chain of command.
Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are also under the microscope after what is seen as a failure to properly strengthen the squad in the summer, when United put all their focus on midfield reinforcements but failed to sign either a left-back or a striker.
On Sunday at Old Trafford, it was notable that fans continued to sing Carrick’s name while also turning their fire on those higher up.
Carrick received applause as he acknowledged the crowd after the match, but as soon as he went into the tunnel loud boos rained down on the players remaining on the pitch.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
More stories on
Source: PA