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Manchester United and Michael Carrick stance on Bruno Fernandes revealed ahead of Chelsea clash

Manchester United face Chelsea at the weekend with Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick appearing to sort out their differences ahead of the clash

Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes

Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against Chelsea, it has been revealed.

Fernandes appeared to question Carrick’s tactics in the wake of last week’s 4-1 Champions League loss to Como. He was subsequently dropped for Sunday’s match at home to Bournemouth, remaining on the bench throughout as United fell to a stunning 3-0 loss that piled the pressure on Carrick.

With Carrick being given more time in the United dugout, the Man Utd boss and Fernandes sat down for clear-the-air talks on Tuesday when the squad returned for training, Manchester Evening News reports. The matter is now considered closed by Carrick and Fernandes has been back to his "best version" over the last 48 hours, club figures say.

Fernandes' family home was burgled while United played Como in Italy. During the game, Fernandes was taken off in the second half in the 66th minute and shook his head as he walked around the pitch.

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Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the Manchester United starting XI against Chelsea

Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the Manchester United starting XI against Chelsea (Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

During an interview with TNT Sports after full-time, Fernandes said: "It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man and sometimes leave space behind and try to get the ball."

When Fernandes was asked if Carrick got his tactics wrong, he said: "That's on the manager and staff to see it, not me."

After the Bournemouth defeat, Fernandes' official Instagram account liked a post reading: "Never push a loyal person to the point where they no longer care."

Sunday’s result left United down in 16th place in the Premier League with only one league win – over newly-promoted Ipswich – this term. Many observers had expected the axe to fall on the boss in the wake of Sunday’s defeat, but Carrick took training on Tuesday with the club resolving to give the 45-year-old more time to turn things around.

Next up for the Red Devils is a trip to Stamford Bridge to take on Chelsea. The Blues lost 2-0 to Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend and are currently fifth in the league. Fernandes is now expected to start the clash in west London against Xabi Alonso's side.

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