Carrick, Fernandes hold crisis talks as United captain set for Chelsea recall

Abdullateef Fowewe

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held face-to-face talks at Carrington in an effort to resolve their recent rift, with Fernandes now expected to return to the starting XI for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea.

Carrick and Fernandes met privately at United’s training ground on Tuesday before training, in what sources described as an open and frank discussion.

Both men are said to have vowed to focus on turning United’s season around, although it remains unclear whether Fernandes apologised for his public criticism of Carrick’s tactics.

A separate meeting involving the full squad and coaching staff was also held to address United’s poor results and performances.

The session is an attempt to get players and staff “on the same page” and draw a line under the recent turmoil.

Tensions escalated after Fernandes was left on the bench for the full 90 minutes of United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.

The omission followed the captain’s public criticism of Carrick and the coaching staff’s tactical approach after United’s 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.

The 32-year-old has reportedly assured Carrick that he remains fully committed to helping rescue United’s season.

Carrick is now satisfied that the animosity between the pair has been addressed, clearing the way for Fernandes to feature at Stamford Bridge.

United travel to Chelsea on Saturday for a 12:30 GMT kickoff, with Fernandes expected to be in contention to start.

The match now carries added significance as both manager and captain seek to convert the clear-the-air talks into an immediate improvement on the pitch.