Fernandes clears the air with Carrick and targets Chelsea return after turbulent week

Bruno Fernandes is poised to start for Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Saturday after he and manager Michael Carrick resolved their public falling-out in a face-to-face meeting at Carrington this week.

The Portugal captain was an unused substitute in United’s draw at Bournemouth last weekend following comments in which he questioned Carrick’s tactics. The two sat down on Tuesday as the squad returned to training, and it is understood Carrick now considers the matter closed. Club figures have noted Fernandes returning to his “best version” in the 48 hours since.

Whether Fernandes formally apologised during the meeting is not known, but the clearest way for him to make amends is on the pitch. His performance against Como the previous week was widely criticised — he pressed erratically from the first whistle and berated teammates for not following his lead. He then compounded the fallout by liking a social media post after the Bournemouth game that appeared to be a dig at the club.

Fernandes does, however, carry a strong record at Stamford Bridge. When United visited last season he won the man of the match award after assisting Matheus Cunha’s winner, helping the club take a significant step towards Champions League qualification. He was reportedly in such high spirits that he allowed the club to post a video of him nearly slipping on the tunnel steps while carrying his award.

The backdrop to Saturday’s trip is a difficult one for United. They have not won in eight games, and Chelsea enter as clear favourites. Fernandes has also been below his best for much of the current campaign, his only standout display coming in a 5-2 win over Ipswich Town in August when he scored a hat-trick. He has managed just two goals in his first eight league appearances of the season.

The Manchester Evening News had flagged before the campaign began that Fernandes might start slowly, pointing to the heavy minutes he accumulated during the World Cup and two missed penalties in pre-season. Those concerns have largely been borne out, making his reunion with Carrick and a return to the starting side all the more significant heading into a fixture United badly need to win.