Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to Manchester United's starting team against Chelsea in the Premier League on Saturday, after clearing the air with manager Michael Carrick this week.
Fernandes was an unused substitute against Bournemouth last weekend after questioning Carrick's tactics, but it is understood the United boss now considers the matter closed. The pair sat down at Carrington as the squad returned to training on Tuesday.
Clear-the-air meeting at Carrington
Club figures have noted Fernandes being back to his "best version" over the last 48 hours after a challenging week on and off the pitch. It is not known whether Fernandes apologised during the meeting, but the obvious way for him to do so is by delivering on the pitch.
Fernandes was shocking against Como last week. He was moody from the first whistle and recklessly broke off to press on his own, before berating his teammates for not following him into those areas.
Struggles this season
The 32-year-old let Carrick down during his post-match interview with TNT Sports, and he made another error after the Bournemouth game when he liked a social media post that seemed to be a dig at the club.
Fernandes has been below par pretty much all season, having only performed like the Fernandes of last term in the comfortable 5-2 win against Ipswich Town in August when he bagged a hat-trick.
He scored two goals in the first eight games of 2025/26. The first was a penalty against Burnley, and the second was a tap-in against Chelsea. Those were his only goal involvements until after the October international break.
Return to Stamford Bridge
When Fernandes visited Stamford Bridge last season he won the man of the match award after assisting Matheus Cunha's match-winner. Manchester United took another giant step towards qualification for the Champions League with the victory, and Fernandes was in such high spirits that it is understood he gave permission for the club to post a video of him almost slipping down the steps in the tunnel with his award.
Carrick went back to basics with his formation against Bournemouth. It obviously did not work out, but it was the right idea nonetheless, and the same train of thought should be applied against Chelsea.
Chelsea are the favourites to secure three points against a United side that have not claimed a win in eight games, but if Fernandes can rediscover his best form, he is the kind of talent that can single-handedly upset the odds. Fernandes owes supporters a big performance at Stamford Bridge.
