Fernandes pledges commitment to Carrick after talks over tactical criticism

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes assured manager Michael Carrick of his commitment to improving the team’s season during talks at the club’s Carrington training base, the Guardian reported on 28 October. The meeting followed Fernandes’s public criticism of Carrick’s tactics and his subsequent omission from the starting team against Bournemouth.¹²

Captain and manager meet

The Guardian reported that the two met before training. The BBC described the discussion as private and intended to give them an opportunity to raise their concerns. It remains unclear whether Fernandes apologised for the comments, according to the BBC.¹²

Fernandes had questioned United’s approach after their 4-1 defeat at Como, according to the Guardian. Discussing the team’s pressing, he said: “It’s a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man”. The BBC reported that he was then put on the bench and did not play in the 3-0 defeat by Bournemouth.¹²

The assurances were not limited to the captain. According to the Guardian, United’s squad also met Carrick and pledged to work towards improving the season. An unidentified United player told the BBC that everyone was determined to rectify the situation. Players, staff, everyone.”¹²

Carrick retained for Chelsea

Both outlets reported that Carrick would remain in charge for the visit to Chelsea. The BBC said the board had decided he should have an opportunity to improve results, despite widespread expectations that he would be dismissed after the Bournemouth match. Saturday’s game at Stamford Bridge is scheduled for 12:30 GMT.¹²

United are 16th in the Premier League and one point above the relegation places, according to the Guardian, which reported two victories in 12 matches and elimination from the Carabao Cup by Brighton. The BBC put their league record at one win from eight games this season.¹²

The BBC reported that senior club figures believe the players are performing below their capabilities and should bear some responsibility. Those figures regard the squad as capable of securing Champions League qualification. The Guardian said Carrick needed victories to retain his position over the longer term.¹²

Fixtures and replacement candidates

The Guardian reported that, after facing Chelsea, United will play a home Champions League match against Roma three days later before meeting Aston Villa the next Sunday. Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training: the BBC reported a fortnight’s injury absence, while the Guardian said he had missed four matches.¹²

The BBC reported that Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann had been shortlisted as possible replacements for Carrick. According to the Guardian, director of football Jason Wilcox prefers Howe, while head of recruitment Christopher Vivell favours Nagelsmann. Neither report establishes that a replacement has been appointed.¹²