Carrick set to recall Fernandes for Chelsea trip after Man Utd clear the air

Bruno Fernandes is in line to return to the Manchester United starting conversation this weekend after Michael Carrick signalled he is ready to move on from their high-profile row, with the Portuguese captain potentially available for United’s Premier League trip to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

Fernandes was dropped to the bench for last weekend’s defeat to Bournemouth following comments he made after United’s loss to Como — remarks that prompted senior club figures, including chief executive Omar Berrada and sporting director Jason Wilcox, to hold talks over Carrick’s position. Those discussions resulted in the board backing the interim manager to continue, and the mood at Carrington has since shifted toward reconciliation with Fernandes, according to The Athletic.

Carrick addressed the decision to leave Fernandes out against Bournemouth without elaborating on the dispute. “He’s fit and available but we decided to pick the team that we did today,” the United boss said. “Unfortunately for everyone we didn’t manage to get the right result. We want to push forward and create more — we could’ve done certain things but not enough really, and that’s pretty clear.”

Carrick is also reported to have held a broader meeting with players and staff at Carrington to clear the air and refocus the group ahead of the Chelsea fixture, with winning games described as the overriding priority.

Despite the apparent thaw, Fernandes’ long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes was unsparing in his assessment of the captain’s public outburst. “What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that’s unforgivable,” Scholes said. “How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now? I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi — just get out the way. I don’t think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that.”

Former teammate Nicky Butt echoed that sentiment, acknowledging Fernandes’ contribution while condemning the manner of his comments. “He’s been the only player for the last 12, 13 years that’s gone, ‘I know what it means to play for this football club,’” Butt said. “He’s killed himself in one interview. Stupid.”

Whether Fernandes starts, comes off the bench, or is restored to the captaincy at Stamford Bridge remains to be seen, but the immediate crisis between player and manager appears, for now, to have been contained.