Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes hold talks after United captain's benching
The Manchester United manager and captain spoke at Carrington after Fernandes criticised the team's tactics and was left out of the Bournemouth defeat.
Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes held private talks at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Tuesday, 27 October, after the captain criticised the manager's tactics and was benched for Sunday's defeat by Bournemouth. The conversation puts Fernandes's place in the team in focus before United's Premier League trip to Chelsea on Saturday.
The Independent reported the meeting as an attempt by Carrick and Fernandes to rebuild their relationship. BBC Sport also reported that the pair spoke privately, but said it was not known who initiated the conversation. Neither report established whether the talks settled their disagreement, and Fernandes's selection against Chelsea has not been confirmed.
Why Fernandes was left on the bench
Fernandes had criticised Carrick's tactics and United's lack of pressing after a 4-1 defeat by Como last week. Four days later, he was an unused substitute as United lost 3-0 to Bournemouth at Old Trafford on Sunday, 25 October. Carrick described the omission as a ‘pure football’ decision, according to The Independent.
Carrick selected summer signing Youri Tielemans and Mason Mount instead of Fernandes for the Bournemouth match, The Independent reported. The outlet said Fernandes had gone seven appearances without scoring, while his Premier League goals this season had come in an August hat-trick against Ipswich. That run adds a question about form to the immediate issue of his place in Carrick's side.
Carrick's next match is at Chelsea
United's defeat by Bournemouth left the club 16th in the Premier League, according to RTÉ's report, which credited the Press Association. Carrick arrived at Carrington early on Tuesday while his future remained uncertain. Training went ahead as usual, and Carrick and his squad were given the chance to respond in the next match, the Press Association reported.
Carrick is expected to take charge of Saturday's match away to Chelsea, scheduled for 12:30 GMT on 31 October, BBC Sport reported. Fernandes could return to the starting line-up, but that remains a possibility rather than a selection decision. The talks are the latest development since United decided to keep Carrick in charge for the Chelsea match despite the Bournemouth loss.
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Sources and context
- Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes take major step in bid to salvage Man United crisisThe Independent (report carried by Yahoo Sports)
- Carrick to remain at Man United for at least the weekendRTÉ / Press Association
- Manchester United: Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes hold clear-the-air talksBBC Sport
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.