Fernandes and Carrick clear the air before Man Utd's trip to Chelsea
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, dropped for the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, held private talks with Michael Carrick at Carrington on Tuesday and is expected back in the side at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.
By TuSport Desk · 28 Oct 2026, 16:45 WAT
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have met face to face to settle their row, BBC Sport, Sky Sports and The Guardian report. The two spoke privately at the club's Carrington training ground on Tuesday 27 October, before training.
Fernandes, 32, was left on the bench for the whole of Sunday's 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth. Carrick dropped him after the Portugal midfielder questioned the team's approach following the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como, when he said it was "a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man". Carrick called his team selection "pure football" when speaking to Sky Sports.
According to The Guardian, Fernandes assured Carrick that he is fully committed to turning the season around, and the rest of the squad made the same promise at a separate team meeting. Sky Sports says Carrick is satisfied the bad feeling is over, although none of the reports could say whether Fernandes apologised for his public comments.
Carrick, 45, will stay in charge for the Premier League game at Chelsea on Saturday 31 October (13:30 WAT). The Guardian says director of football Jason Wilcox decided he should be given more time, and the BBC reports the board feel the players must share the blame for the poor start. Fernandes is expected to return to the starting line-up.
United are 16th in the Premier League, a point above the relegation zone, with one win from their eight league games. They have won only twice in 12 matches in all competitions and are already out of the Carabao Cup after a defeat by Brighton.
There was some good news on Wednesday as midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after missing United's last four games through injury.
Carrick's position is still under review. The BBC says the club have shortlisted Eddie Howe, formerly of Newcastle, and former Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann as possible replacements. After Chelsea, United host Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday 3 November and Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday 8 November, before the international break.
Sources: www.bbc.co.uk · www.skysports.com · www.theguardian.com · sports.yahoo.com
