Carrick and Fernandes hold clear-the-air talks

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Michael Carrick dropped Bruno Fernandes for Sunday’s defeat by Bournemouth

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks before the team’s trip to Chelsea.

Fernandes, 32, was an unused substitute during United’s 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth on Sunday.

The Portuguese was dropped to the bench after he criticised Carrick’s tactics following the 4-1 loss against Como in the Champions League.

Sources have told BBC Sport that the pair spoke privately at the club’s training ground on Tuesday, although it is not known who instigated the talks.

United are preparing for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea (12:30 GMT), when Fernandes could return to the starting line-up.

Carrick was widely expected to be sacked following the Bournemouth game, but he will take charge of the Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

United’s board decided the 45-year-old deserved the opportunity to turn things around at Old Trafford, despite the club languishing in 16th place in the Premier League.

There was further good news for Carrick on Wednesday, with midfielder Kobbie Mainoo returning to training after a fortnight out through injury.

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