Bruno Fernandes is in line to return to the Manchester United team this weekend, with interim boss Michael Carrick ready to 'draw a line' under their recent disagreement. The Portuguese playmaker was left out of the starting side for the defeat to Bournemouth following comments he made after the match against Como.
Since that omission, club officials including Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox have held discussions about Carrick's position and have decided to give him more time to address the team's poor run at Old Trafford. That decision appears to have clarified Fernandes' own situation, with reports suggesting the mood around the club's Carrington training ground is that a line will be drawn under the row.
Carrick explains Fernandes benching
Explaining why Fernandes was not selected against Bournemouth, Carrick said: "He's fit and available but we decided to pick the team that we did today. Unfortunately for everyone we didn't manage to get the right result."
He added: "We want to push forward and create more, we could've done certain things but not enough really and that's pretty clear."
Talks held to clear the air
Beyond Fernandes, the under-pressure manager has tried to bring the rest of the squad onside ahead of the trip to Stamford Bridge. It has been suggested that Carrick held a meeting of players and staff at Carrington to clear the air and ensure everyone was on the same page, with the priority now being to win matches.
While the talks appear to have kept Fernandes available for the time being, his long-term future remains uncertain. Former United midfielder Paul Scholes has suggested the 31-year-old may need to leave the club, saying: "What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that's unforgivable. How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now?"
Former players criticise Fernandes
Scholes continued: "I think he probably needs to get away from European football and just go to Saudi, just get out the way. I don't think any manager, any member of staff can trust him after that."
Another former teammate, Nicky Butt, also criticised Fernandes for his behaviour, saying: "We sing his praises for his abilities. He's been the only player for the last 12, 13 years that's gone, 'I know what it means to play for this football club and I'm good enough to play football and I'm going to carry it on my shoulders and I'm going to lead it. I'm going to score goals. I'm going to create. I'm not leaving. I'm staying. I'm fighting the fight.' And he's killed himself in one interview. Stupid."
Fernandes was named as an unused substitute in the Bournemouth defeat, and his potential return for the Chelsea match will be watched closely as United look to end their poor run.
