Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick clear the air as captain targets Chelsea return

Bruno Fernandes and Michael Carrick met on Tuesday to reset their relationship after the Manchester United captain questioned the team's tactics last week. The Portuguese, who started on the bench in the 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth, is now expected to return to the line-up on Saturday against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

• Fernandes and Carrick spoke at Carrington before Tuesday's training session.
• The midfielder assured the coach of his full commitment to turning the season around.
• The squad held a separate meeting with Carrick and pledged the same support.
• Fernandes was benched against Bournemouth after his comments following the defeat to Como.
• Carrick will remain in charge for the trip to Chelsea following Jason Wilcox's decision.

The clear-the-air meeting that paves the way for Fernandes' return

The conversation took place at the Carrington training base before the morning session. Fernandes, 32, gave the manager assurances that he remains fully committed and determined to help change the direction of a season that has placed the club among the bottom sides in the league.

It was not the only discussion of the day. The rest of the squad also met with Carrick and offered a similar message of unity, at a time when results and doubts over the manager's position dominate the agenda.

From tactical criticism to the starting XI at Stamford Bridge

The friction started after the 4-1 defeat against Como, when Fernandes questioned the decision not to press man-to-man in the opposition half. That call falls directly under the manager's remit, and the captain's words were seen as a pointed challenge to Carrick's approach.

It is a decision from the staff not to press man-to-man.

The assessment had immediate consequences. Fernandes, widely regarded as United's most influential player, was named among the substitutes against Bournemouth. After the meeting with Carrick, however, the expectation is that he will be back in the starting line-up at Chelsea.

Carrick remains under pressure despite the show of support

The 45-year-old manager's future has been under scrutiny for weeks. Jason Wilcox, the club's director of football, decided he should stay in charge for the London trip and be given more time this week, but the message is clear: victories are needed for him to hold the post long-term.

The numbers explain the pressure. United have won just two of their last 12 games, were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton and sit 16th in the Premier League, one point above the relegation zone.

The decisive stretch that could shape the dugout

After the visit to Chelsea, Manchester United host Roma in the Champions League three days later and then face Aston Villa in the league the following Sunday. An international break follows, giving the board a longer window to assess the managerial situation.

That period could be key if the club decides to make a change. Eddie Howe, the former Newcastle manager, is reported to be the leading candidate for the director of football, while former Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has backing from the recruitment department.

Mainoo returns to training and adds midfield options

Kobbie Mainoo rejoined training on Wednesday after missing the last four matches through injury. His return gives Carrick another option in midfield ahead of a demanding run of fixtures and a squad stretched by absences and workload.