Carrick to Face Chelsea as Fernandes Pledges Commitment After Talks

Manchester United has won twice in 12 games and sits 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone. The club's form has left manager Michael Carrick's position unresolved.

Carrick and captain Bruno Fernandes met at United's Carrington training base on Tuesday morning to discuss Fernandes's recent criticism of the team's tactics. The 32-year-old gave Carrick assurances that he is committed to the club and intends to help the team turn its season around. A squad meeting followed, during which the rest of the players made the same commitment to Carrick.

Following the discussions, Jason Wilcox, the director of football, determined that Carrick would remain in charge for Saturday's match at Chelsea. Carrick dropped Fernandes from the squad for Sunday's 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth because of the earlier criticism, but Fernandes is now available for the trip to Chelsea.

Fernandes had questioned the team's approach after the 4-1 loss at Como last Wednesday. "It's a decision from the staff to not press man-to-man," he said. Because Carrick sets the tactics, the remarks were viewed as directed at the manager.

United faces Chelsea on Saturday, hosts Roma in the Champions League three days later, and travels to Aston Villa in the league the following Sunday. A two-week international window follows those fixtures. Carrick must win games to remain head coach for the long term.

Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday after missing four games because of injury. Wilcox has made Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle manager, his leading candidate for the position, while Christopher Vivell, the head of recruitment, favors former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann.

The 4-1 defeat at Como and the subsequent loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup elimination contributed to the results that have shaped Carrick's current situation.