Carrick and Fernandes hold clear-the-air talks ahead of Chelsea fixture

Carrick and Fernandes met Tuesday to resolve tensions after the captain's public criticism of tactics; Fernandes expected back in contention for Chelsea.

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes held face-to-face talks at the club's training ground on Tuesday to clear the air following a week of tension. Fernandes had been dropped and left unused in Sunday's 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth after publicly criticising Carrick's tactical approach following the 4-1 Champions League loss at Como. The meeting was described as open and frank, with both parties vowing to refocus on improving performances. An all-squad meeting also took place where players and staff acknowledged squad-wide underperformance this season. Fernandes is now expected to be available for selection in Saturday's Premier League fixture against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.