Carrick stays in charge for Man Utd’s trip to Chelsea — and Bruno Fernandes is back in contention

Michael Carrick will be in the dugout when Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Saturday lunchtime. Many expected him to be sacked after Sunday’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, but the club has decided to give him more time. He took training at Carrington on Tuesday.

Why Carrick is under pressure

The numbers are stark. United have won only two of their 12 matches in all competitions this season. The Bournemouth defeat left them 16th, and it came days after a 4-1 Champions League thrashing at Como. Fans sang Carrick’s name at full-time on Sunday, but booed the players.

It is a sharp fall for a coach who took over in January, led United to third place and Champions League qualification, and signed a two-year deal in the summer. Director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are also under scrutiny over the club’s summer recruitment.

Fernandes and Carrick clear the air

The captain’s situation added to the tension. Bruno Fernandes appeared to question Carrick’s tactics after the Como defeat and was left on the bench for the whole of the Bournemouth game. The pair have since held one-to-one talks at Carrington, separate from a wider squad meeting, and Fernandes is now considered available for Chelsea.

What awaits at Stamford Bridge

Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea are fifth on 13 points, but they also have something to prove. They were beaten 2-0 at home by Tottenham last weekend and went out of the Carabao Cup on penalties at Anfield this week. Kick-off is 12:30pm.

The run of fixtures does United no favours. After Chelsea they host Roma in the Champions League on Tuesday 3 November, then Aston Villa on Sunday 8 November.

Sources: Manchester United, Chelsea FC, Premier League, PA. Follow Energy Radio on Facebook and Instagram.