MAN UTD: CARRICK, FERNANDES RESOLVE TENSIONS AFTER BOURNEMOUTH LOSS
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have reportedly held a meeting to resolve tensions following Manchester United’s 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, during which the club captain remained on the bench for the entire match.
The discussions reportedly took place at United’s Carrington training ground on Tuesday, with both parties said to be keen on putting the disagreement behind them and focusing on improving the team’s performances.
Football transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano disclosed the development in a post on X on Wednesday, describing the meeting as productive and suggesting that Fernandes could return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s clash against Chelsea.
Romano wrote, “Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have met face-to-face to clear the air after Portuguese star was benched for 90 minutes against Bournemouth. Bruno, now expected to feature against Chelsea on Saturday.”
The meeting comes amid reports of strained relations following Fernandes’ public criticism of United’s tactics after their 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
The Portuguese midfielder questioned the coaching staff’s decision not to deploy a man-to-man pressing approach, arguing that it allowed Como to exploit spaces and grow in confidence during the encounter.
Fernandes also stressed the need for United to show greater courage when playing under pressure.
His comments attracted further attention after Carrick left him out of the starting line-up for the Bournemouth fixture and did not introduce him as a substitute, despite United trailing during the match.
Defender Harry Maguire wore the captain’s armband in Fernandes’ absence.
United’s recent struggles have intensified scrutiny of Carrick, whose side have reportedly gone eight matches without a win across competitions. The 3-0 loss to Bournemouth followed the damaging 4-1 defeat to Como, further increasing pressure on the manager.
Fernandes’ possible return to the team would provide a boost for United ahead of their trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, October 31.
The Portugal international remains one of the club’s key creative players, and his involvement could prove important as United seek to improve their performances and ease the pressure on Carrick.
Although the reported meeting suggests both men are willing to move forward, United will need to produce better results as they prepare for a difficult away encounter against Chelsea.
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