Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of the club’s Premier League trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
The discussions took place privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, as both men seek to address tensions following a difficult spell for the team.
Fernandes was left on the bench and remained an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Portuguese midfielder was reportedly dropped after criticizing Carrick’s tactics following the team’s 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.
However, it remains unclear whether Fernandes apologized for his comments, and the captain could return to the starting line-up against Chelsea.
Carrick will remain in charge for the Stamford Bridge encounter despite growing pressure following United’s poor results.
The club’s hierarchy have decided to give the 45-year-old a chance to turn things around, even though United sit 16th in the Premier League after just one win in their opening eight league matches this season.
The manager also received a boost on Wednesday as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after spending two weeks out with an injury.
United’s senior figures reportedly believe the squad has enough quality to compete for Champions League qualification and that the players must accept responsibility for their underwhelming performances.
Despite retaining Carrick for now, United have reportedly shortlisted former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and ex-Germany and Bayern Munich head coach Julian Nagelsmann as possible replacements.
Howe’s appointment could involve a multi-million-pound compensation payment to Newcastle, while Nagelsmann is currently without a club following his previous managerial roles.
Saturday’s match against Chelsea, scheduled for 12:30 GMT, could prove crucial in determining the direction of United’s season.
Carrick will hope talks with Fernandes help restore unity in the squad and improve performance, as the club tries to end its poor run and ease concerns about the manager’s future.
Image credits: Dan Istitene / Getty Images Sport via Getty Images
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