Carrick and Fernandes Clear the Air Before Chelsea

Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of Manchester United's trip to Chelsea. The head coach and the captain spoke privately at the club's training ground on Tuesday, according to BBC Sport. Sky Sports also reported the meeting.

The talks follow a difficult few weeks for both men. United lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League, the European club competition, and Fernandes criticised Carrick's tactics afterwards. Carrick dropped the 32-year-old from the starting line-up, and Fernandes was an unused substitute in the 3-0 Premier League defeat by Bournemouth.

Carrick, who is 45, has already taken responsibility. After the Como defeat he apologised to supporters. Speaking on 25 October, he said he did not know whether he would still be in charge for the trip to Chelsea, adding: "The responsibility is mine."

The talks reportedly centred on Fernandes' future as captain. United are 16th in the Premier League, and a loss at Stamford Bridge would leave them further down a table where every point counts. Carrick is expected to take charge of the game himself, and Fernandes could return to the starting line-up.

There was some good news on the injury front. Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday after two weeks out with an injury. The midfielder's return gives Carrick another option in a squad that has needed one.

Manchester United play Chelsea on Saturday at 12:30 GMT. Carrick will speak to the media at his pre-match press conference on Thursday afternoon, and that is the moment to watch for any sign of how he sees the Fernandes situation. Until then, the fans will be hoping that a private conversation turns into a better afternoon on the pitch.