Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes take major step in bid to salvage Man United crisis

Carrick and captain Fernandes held clear-the-air talks at Carrington on Tuesday after falling out over tactics and the Portuguese midfielder's subsequent omission from the Bournemouth defeat.

Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes have held clear-the-air talks at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Tuesday as the manager and captain attempt to rebuild their relationship following a public falling out.

Fernandes was critical of Carrick's tactics and the team's lack of pressing after United's 4-1 defeat to Como last week. Four days later, the reigning PFA Player of the Year was dropped and left unused as a substitute during the 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, with Carrick describing the omission as a "pure football" decision.

Despite the crisis, United decided against sacking the 45-year-old manager and he will remain in charge for Saturday's trip to Chelsea. The talks between Carrick and Fernandes could pave the way for the Portugal international to return to the team. Fernandes has struggled for form this season, failing to score in his last seven appearances, with his only Premier League goals coming in August when he scored a hat-trick against Ipswich.