Manchester United boss Michael Carrick has buried the hatchet with Bruno Fernandes following peace talks between the warring duo, and it means the United captain is in line for a recall for Saturday's showdown with Chelsea.
Fernandes was dropped for Sunday's 3-0 defeat at home to Bournemouth after criticising Carrick's tactics following the Champions League defeat against Cesc Fabregas' Como. Carrick questioned the work rate of his captain and team and duly left him out. As United struggled throughout the Premier League loss to Marco Rose's Cherries, Carrick refused to turn to Fernandes, leaving him on the bench.
Fan backlash after Bournemouth defeat
After United's supporters chanted Carrick's name post-game, Fernandes and the squad were booed by fans, a clear show of support for the manager and a rebuke to the under-performing players who have won just one of their opening eight league games. Following the defeat, Fernandes' official Instagram account liked a post reading: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."
United's board weighed up Carrick's future after the Bournemouth loss and decided to give him more time.
Showdown talks at Carrington
When the squad returned for training on Tuesday, Carrick and Fernandes held showdown talks, deciding to settle their differences. Carrick elected to sit down with the skipper at Carrington, and the duo have agreed to move forward and put the recent past behind them.
The matter is now considered closed by Carrick, while Fernandes, whose family home was burgled while United played Como in Italy, has been described as being back to his "best version" over the last 48 hours.
Pressure mounts ahead of Chelsea trip
United head to Chelsea hoping that the pair can get the club back on track, with under-pressure Carrick looking to save himself from the sack. With United eight games without a win and just one point above the relegation zone, Carrick needs his captain and most influential player to produce in London.
