Carrick and Fernandes hold talks after Manchester United captain's omission

Michael Carrick and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes held private talks at the club's training ground on Tuesday after the midfielder was left out of the side that lost to Bournemouth. BBC Sport reported, citing sources, that the meeting was intended to air the issues between the head coach and his captain following a difficult sequence of results.

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Fernandes had criticised United's tactical approach after their 4-1 Champions League defeat by Como. The 32-year-old was then named among the substitutes for Sunday's Premier League match against Bournemouth but did not come on as United lost 3-0 at Old Trafford. Those consecutive defeats preceded Tuesday's discussion, with the captain's place in the team still to be settled.

BBC Sport's coverage of the Bournemouth match recorded Carrick describing Fernandes' omission beforehand as a football decision. Harry Maguire wore the captain's armband, while Mason Mount and Youri Tielemans were given playmaking duties. Carrick introduced Matheus Cunha at half-time and Lisandro Martinez during the second half, but kept Fernandes on the bench throughout the defeat.

The talks come after United decided to retain Carrick and give him an opportunity to improve results. In its separate report on that decision, BBC Sport said he would remain in charge for Saturday's visit to Chelsea. United are 16th in the Premier League, with only one win from eight league fixtures, and their winless run across all competitions has reached eight matches.

That position contrasts with Carrick's first months in the job. He took interim charge in January after Ruben Amorim's departure and was appointed permanently in May after guiding United to third place and Champions League qualification, according to the BBC's report on his retention. The current campaign has brought a sharp reversal in results following that successful finish.

Wednesday also brought a training return for Kobbie Mainoo after two weeks out through injury, BBC Sport reported. Fernandes could return to the starting side at Stamford Bridge, although the report did not confirm his selection. The private meeting establishes that the two have discussed their differences, rather than confirming that every issue between them has been resolved.