Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and team captain Bruno Fernandes have held private clear-the-air talks at the club’s training ground following recent internal friction, ahead of their upcoming Premier League fixture. Man Utd’s Carrick decision ‘prolonging the inevitable. Follow Manchester United on Sounds. Pre-match, post-match and topical United content.
Fernandes, 32, was left as an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.
The Portuguese midfielder was dropped to the bench after he publicly criticized Carrick’s tactical decisions following a 4-1 loss against Como in the Champions League.
Sources said Sport that the pair met privately on Tuesday to address their issues directly. It remains unclear whether Fernandes, who was appointed club captain in 2023, offered an apology for his public comments during the meeting.
Key Situation and Club Context
- Match Fixture: United are preparing for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea (12:30 GMT), where Fernandes could return to the starting line-up.
- Managerial Status: Carrick was widely expected to be dismissed following the Bournemouth loss, but he will remain in charge at Stamford Bridge.
- Board Decision: Old Trafford hierarchy decided the 45-year-old manager deserves time to turn results around, despite United languishing in 16th place.
- Squad Fitness: Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to squad training on Wednesday following a two-week absence due to injury.
- Club Responsibility: With just one win in eight league games, board figures do not view the current crisis as solely Carrick’s fault.
- Player Expectations: Senior hierarchy believe the current squad is capable of Champions League qualification and is underperforming significantly.
- Internal Sentiment: One player said Sport: “The feeling is that we all want to put it right. Players, staff, everyone.”
Despite granting Carrick more time, United management is actively planning for contingencies.
Sources confirmed the club has shortlisted former Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and former Germany and Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann as potential managerial replacements.
Appointing Howe would require paying a multi-million-pound compensation package to Newcastle United, whereas Nagelsmann is currently available as a free agent.
