Bruno Fernandes faces an uncertain future at Manchester United after being dropped to the bench at the weekend following his public outburst about manager Michael Carrick

The pressure is building at Manchester United, with Michael Carrick facing a defining few days as his side prepares to visit Chelsea.

The head coach's position has become increasingly precarious after two humiliating defeats, with United conceding seven goals across back-to-back defeats to Como and Bournemouth.

A dismal eight-game stretch without a victory has intensified scrutiny of Carrick, whose long-term future at Old Trafford is now in serious doubt. But the problems extend beyond the pitch, with tensions behind the scenes between the manager and captain Bruno Fernandes threatening to make an already difficult situation even worse.

Fernandes was left out of the starting line-up for Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth, having publicly criticised Carrick's approach in the wake of United's 4-1 demolition by Como earlier in the week. The decision highlighted the growing strain between the pair at a time when the club can ill afford further distractions.

United are now just one point clear of the Premier League relegation zone, leaving Carrick under enormous pressure to deliver a response at Stamford Bridge. With his job hanging in the balance and questions mounting over his handling of Fernandes, here is the latest from Old Trafford.

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Fernandes told he's 'finished'

Paul Scholes believes Bruno Fernandes' Manchester United career is over and has advised the Portugal international to quit European football in favour of a move to the Saudi Pro League.

The former United midfielder did not hold back when discussing Fernandes' dispute with Carrick. Scholes described the midfielder's public comments as "unforgivable" and questioned whether anyone at the club could ever trust him again.

"What Bruno Fernandes said last week, I think that's unforgivable," Scholes said. "How can Bruno Fernandes be trusted to be captain of any team he ever goes to now?

"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."

Carrick makes bold Fernandes decision

Michael Carrick is reportedly willing to welcome Bruno Fernandes back into the starting line-up this weekend after relegating his captain to the bench for the Bournemouth defeat.

Fernandes had previously featured for every minute of United's Premier League season, making his absence from Sunday's starting XI particularly striking given the team's alarming form.

However, The Athletic reports that Carrick, Fernandes and senior figures at the club have agreed to put their differences behind them. The development could open the door for the midfielder to return to the side against Chelsea.

The apparent reconciliation comes after Carrick narrowly avoided losing his job earlier this week. On Monday, co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Avram Glazer and Joel Glazer held a high-level conference call with chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox to discuss the manager's future.

Carrick was given a reprieve on Tuesday, but his position remains far from secure. With United desperately searching for a turnaround, anything less than a convincing display against Chelsea could spell the end of his time in charge.