Man United latest: Michael Carrick fights for future as Bruno Fernandes decision made for Chelsea trip
Michael Carrick is once again fighting for his Manchester United future as his side travel to Chelsea in the Premier League.
Carrick appeared on the brink following the 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth last week but survived crisis talks with the United hierarchy and remains in charge for the trip to Stamford Bridge, despite the club sounding out Eddie Howe and Julian Nagelsmann as his potential replacement.
An eight-game winless run in all competitions has heightened the pressure on Carrick, who is set to recall Bruno Fernandes after holding clear-the-air talks with his captain. Fernandes was left on the bench last weekend after criticism of Carrick’s tactics.
There is some pressure on Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso, too, following the home defeat to rivals Tottenham last weekend and their exit from the Carabao Cup against Liverpool in midweek. Joao Pedro remains sidelined due to injury, although Cole Palmer returns from suspension.
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Chelsea v Man United LIVE: Latest Premier League updates
Chelsea host Man United as Michael Carrick fights for future
Carrick remains in charge after surviving crisis talks this week
United out to end eight-game winless run in all competitions
Bruno Fernandes available to start after clear-the-air talks
Chelsea bidding to respond to Spurs and Liverpool defeats
What is the Manchester United team news?
Bruno Fernandes is available for selection after holding talks with Michael Carrick and remains captain, too. Kobbie Mainoo is back in training but Luke Shaw and Patrick Dorgu remain out and Benjamin Sesko is likely to be sidelined until the new year due to a shin problem.
What is the Chelsea team news?
Joao Pedro remains out for Chelsea but Cole Palmer returns from suspension after missing Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat at Liverpool. Maxence Lacroix has been ruled out for a few weeks after hurting his hamstring at Anfield but Moises Caicedo is fit, while Estevao’s lack of involvement has become a talking point after he remained on the bench at Anfield. Mike Penders will remain in goal due to Emi Martinez’s broken jaw, with the young Belgian hoping to do a lot better than last week’s performance in the defeat to Tottenham.
Good morning and welcome
Another Premier League weekend awaits as the Manchester United circus rolls on. This afternoon they’re up at Chelsea, who could be plunged into a bit of a crisis themselves if results go against them today.
But the big surprise is that Michael Carrick remains United manager. They say a week is a long time in football but the expectation following Sunday’s defeat to Bournemouth was that Carrick had taken charge of his final match. Instead, he has been given another opportunity to try and turn their season around.
