Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes hold talks before Chelsea match

Coach retains charge for weekend game

Carrick will take charge of the Premier League fixture at Stamford Bridge despite the recent loss to Bournemouth. The board decided he deserved an opportunity to turn the season around even as the team sits in 16th place. Fernandes is now in contention to return to the starting line-up for the match.

Private discussion at training ground

The pair spoke privately at United's training ground on Tuesday following an open and frank discussion. This meeting occurred after Fernandes was dropped as an unused substitute for the defeat against Bournemouth. Sources say the talks aimed to air issues between the head coach and the club captain.

Reasons for tactical selection explained

Carrick described his decision to drop Fernandes as a pure football choice made for the team. The coach stated that picking the squad is always a difficult decision requiring the right performance. United players are expected to shoulder some blame for underperforming despite having a squad capable of Champions League qualification.