Michael Carrick now considers his disagreement with Bruno Fernandes to be over following clear-the-air talks with the Manchester United captain. Fernandes questioned Carrick's tactics after United's defeat to Como in the Champions League and was then dropped against Bournemouth last weekend.
The midfielder was sent to warm up in the 58th minute, but Carrick opted to use all of his changes without introducing Fernandes, meaning he was an unused substitute as the Reds were hammered.
Clear-the-air talks at Carrington
Carrick has been given the chance to turn things around after a wretched run of form and he held clear-the-air talks with his captain at Carrington when the squad returned to training on Tuesday, following their usual day off after a game.
Fernandes is now due to be recalled to United's starting XI against Chelsea this weekend following a productive summit between the pair. Club figures have also noted Fernandes as being back to his "best version" over the last 72 hours after a challenging week on and off the pitch.
Carrick on Fernandes' role
Speaking about Fernandes, Carrick said: "Listen, we're clear with the situation of the team, and as a football club at the moment. As I've just said, he's an important player for this group.
"He has been and he will be. Between us, we've got to make a difference and we've got to push things in a good direction. He's fully committed to this football club, he's fully committed to making things better.
"It doesn't change for me. He's the one that's kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."
When asked if Carrick could take the armband from Fernandes, he confirmed he would remain as captain, saying: "There is no decision to be made on that."
Fernandes' form and response
Fernandes was recently moved out of his favoured No.10 role as Carrick tinkered with his midfield. The 32-year-old has suffered a loss of form this season, contributing four goals in all competitions (a hat-trick against Ipswich and a goal against Sabah).
The Portugal international broke the Premier League assist record last term, setting up a remarkable 21 goals, but he has just one assist to his name this term.
Carrick is hoping to see a response from Fernandes and the remainder of his squad this weekend. "The outside is not anything for me to focus on. I know what we can affect, I know what we need to improve," said Carrick of the noise around United.
"I know as a group, leading a group, what help they need a little bit as well, and a bit of guidance at certain times, and dealing with certain things. That's part of my direct role is them, who I care about and can affect the most directly."
"Of course we spoke. We have meetings as we do every single week, but some of the meetings go in different ways depending on results and the situation and the feeling.
"I have to say, the boys are hungry. We're hurting because we haven't won enough football games, but there's an intensity, there's a bit of an edge, there's a disappointment, there's a hunger to do better, for sure."
