Michael Carrick has refused to confirm whether Bruno Fernandes apologised for questioning his tactics, but said it is "clear" the pair have put the issue behind them and moved in a "good direction."
The Manchester United captain was dropped to the bench after questioning Carrick's tactical approach following the Champions League match against Como last month. Fernandes was an unused substitute as United faced Bournemouth at Old Trafford.
Clear-the-air talks at Carrington
Carrick subsequently held clear-the-air talks with Fernandes at Carrington, and the midfielder was recalled to the starting team against Chelsea. Speaking to the media ahead of the Aston Villa game, Carrick did not confirm whether Fernandes had apologised.
He said: "There are always conversations, bits going on, and I said at the time, I think, acknowledging certain things about when things are going well, what we need to improve on as a group, sometimes it's individually, sometimes it's as a group.
"We always have discussions. What's actually said in that discussion, you'll be pleased to know I'll keep that to myself, but it's... I think it's pretty clear we've moved in a good direction, and Bruno's commitment is undoubted for me in terms of what he brings to this team and this club, and I think he showed that again this week."
Fernandes praised after Roma win
Carrick pointed to Fernandes's actions as evidence of his commitment. "I think by his actions, the way he's played and how he dealt with even retaking the penalty and frame of mind he was in for that, I think that tells everything. Yeah, Bruno's as good as ever," he said.
Fernandes was named man of the match after the Roma win in midweek and will aim to help United secure back-to-back wins for the first time this season against Villa.
Carrick added: "Whatever happens, what's going to happen is going to happen in terms of the game, and we've got to prepare right, and I'm looking forward to it.
"I said the other night I was really looking forward to the game the other night going into it, genuinely was. Again, wasn't making anything up there for you.
"But really looking forward to the next game, playing at home on the back of the other night, the supporters hopefully looking forward to coming and energised and feeling good about what they might see, and we've got to repay that."
