Carrick and Fernandes hold clear-the-air talks

What the report says

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held private talks at the club’s training ground ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, BBC Sport reported. The discussion came after Fernandes was left on the bench for Sunday’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth, following his public criticism of Carrick’s tactics after United’s earlier loss to Como in the Champions League.

According to BBC Sport, the meeting was intended to clear the air before United return to league action at Stamford Bridge. Fernandes, who is 32, could be brought back into the starting line-up for the Chelsea match. Carrick will remain in charge for that game despite pressure on his position after a difficult run of results.

United are currently 16th in the Premier League and have won only once in eight league matches this season. BBC Sport said the club’s board believes the squad is underperforming and that Carrick should be given a chance to improve results. The report also said midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday after a two-week injury absence.

Cautious background: BBC Sport also reported that the club has considered possible future managerial options, but no change has been announced and Carrick remains in post for now.