Man Utd Round-Up, Wednesday 28th October: Carrick and Fernandes Hold Clear-The-Air Talks Ahead of Chelsea Trip
The big story of the day centres on Michael Carrick and Bruno Fernandes, who have held face-to-face 'clear-the-air' talks at Carrington ahead of Saturday's trip to Stamford Bridge (Evening Standard) (ESPN) (Sky Sports) (BBC Sport). Fernandes was left out against Bournemouth and had been critical of the current situation, but the Guardian reports he has told Carrick he remains committed to turning the season around, with the pair said to have had a positive meeting (The Guardian) (Manchester Evening News). TeamTalk and the Evening Standard both report that Fernandes is now expected to return to the starting line-up against Chelsea (talkSPORT) (Evening Standard), while Manchester Evening News adds that the discussions also touched on the captaincy going forward (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News). Sky Sports say both men have vowed to refocus the group's efforts as the campaign continues (Sky Sports).
Despite a difficult run of results, United's hierarchy have opted to stick with Carrick for now, though Manchester Evening News describes it as coming with a fresh warning attached to the players (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News). Sky Sports note the club did consider a fourth managerial change in four years following the Bournemouth defeat before deciding to hold firm (Sky Sports). However, TeamTalk report sources believe this amounts to a 'stay of execution', with the November international break seen as a key moment in any final decision (TeamTalk), and Fabrizio Romano is said to have revealed United already have a ranked list of potential successors in Antonio Conte, Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann (TeamTalk). Manchester Evening News also report fresh conversations have taken place regarding Howe as those contingency plans continue behind the scenes, even with Carrick staying put for now (Manchester Evening News). Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reported to be flying in to watch the Chelsea game in person, in what's being billed as a major test for Carrick (Manchester Evening News) (Manchester Evening News).
On the injury front, there was a boost at Carrington as Kobbie Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday morning (ManUtd.com) (Manchester Evening News). Less positively, Benjamin Sesko's absence continues to be a concern, with BBC Sport reporting the striker is expected to be out until at least January with a shin injury sustained around the Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton (BBC Sport) (Manchester Evening News).
Away from team news, there's plenty of noise around the club's transfer plans. TeamTalk report United have scrapped a planned January move for a striker as INEOS reshape their transfer strategy (TeamTalk). Manchester Evening News also report the club are sitting on around £107m worth of players they're struggling to move on, with a trio reportedly set to leave for nothing when their contracts expire (Manchester Evening News). Former Premier League midfielder John Obi Mikel, meanwhile, has suggested United should hand an 'open chequebook' to Unai Emery, saying he should be given "the f***ing keys" (TeamTalk).
Finally, there was a verdict delivered on the red card incident involving Leeds United's Gabriel Gudmundsson from United's recent Premier League meeting, with a Premier League panel confirming their findings after United had been frustrated he stayed on the pitch (Manchester Evening News).
This round-up is written with the help of AI, using only the day's headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.