Bruno Fernandes set for Manchester United return after Carrick talks

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held direct and frank discussions as the club attempts to settle internal tensions before Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

Fernandes was an unused substitute in Sunday’s heavy 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth, a decision that came as a surprise. The Portugal international was left out of the starting line-up as a direct response to his public criticism of Carrick’s tactics following the humiliating 4-1 Champions League loss to Como.

His comments angered the coaching staff and contributed to the decision to leave him on the bench at Bournemouth.

Fernandes expected back in the team

Sources have told BBC Sport that Carrick and Fernandes met privately to discuss the issues between them and bring the dispute to an end. It is not yet clear whether Fernandes, who was appointed Manchester United captain in 2023, formally apologised for his remarks.

The Portuguese playmaker is expected to return to the starting XI for Saturday’s match against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, as Manchester United seek to restore balance to their campaign.

The fixture is scheduled for 31 October 2026.

Carrick given one final opportunity

Carrick was widely expected to lose his job after the defeat by Bournemouth, but Manchester United’s board has decided to give him one final chance to lead the side at Stamford Bridge.

The club are 16th in the Premier League and have won only one of their eight matches this season. However, senior figures do not believe Carrick is solely responsible for the team’s poor form.

They view the players as carrying a significant share of the blame, believing the squad is capable of qualifying for the Champions League but has failed to perform at that level.

One player told BBC Sport: “We all feel a desire to put things right. The players, the coaching staff, everyone.”

Carrick did receive positive news on Wednesday, when young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training after missing two weeks with an injury.

Club draws up possible replacements

Despite deciding to retain Carrick for now, Manchester United have already drawn up a shortlist of possible successors, according to BBC Sport sources.

The list includes Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle United manager, and Julian Nagelsmann, the former Bayern Munich manager who is currently Germany head coach.

Any move for Howe would require Manchester United to pay Newcastle compensation worth millions of pounds. Nagelsmann, meanwhile, is available as a free agent.