Carrick faces media scrutiny over Fernandes feud and United future ahead of Chelsea trip

Michael Carrick faced the media on Friday ahead of Manchester United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea, with the head coach’s position and his fractured relationship with captain Bruno Fernandes dominating the agenda.

Carrick’s future at Old Trafford came under intense scrutiny after United were beaten 3-0 by Bournemouth last Sunday. The United hierarchy held crisis talks in the aftermath and opted to keep the head coach in post, giving him the opportunity to steady the ship at Stamford Bridge.

The Bournemouth defeat was compounded by the circumstances surrounding Fernandes’ absence. The captain had publicly questioned Carrick’s tactics following the Champions League loss to Como, and was subsequently left out of the squad entirely for the Bournemouth fixture. On Tuesday, the two men sat down for clear-the-air talks, and Carrick is now understood to consider the matter closed. Whether Fernandes returns to the starting XI on Saturday remains one of the key questions heading into the game.

Last season at Stamford Bridge, Fernandes was the standout performer, winning the man of the match award after assisting Matheus Cunha’s winner as United took a significant step towards Champions League qualification. His influence will be needed again if United are to take anything from west London.

On the injury front, United will be without striker Benjamin Sesko until at least January after he sustained a shin injury. There was more encouraging news elsewhere, however, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returning to training this week and pushing for involvement.