Leaving Fernandes out was a significant decision, particularly with United searching for direction. The defeat extended a winless run that other reports put at eight games in all competitions, while the club is reportedly only one point above the relegation zone.
That context gives Carrick little room for another performance without a response. The decision to drop the captain appears to have been designed to challenge both Fernandes and the wider squad, rather than simply punish one poor showing.
The talks matter because they offer a route back without undermining the manager’s authority. Fernandes can return, but the terms of that return will be closely watched.
United’s captain remains their most natural link between midfield and attack. His passing range, risk-taking and set-piece quality can give the side a clearer attacking route, especially when opponents defend compactly.
However, bringing him back will not solve every problem exposed by the Bournemouth defeat. United’s eight-game winless sequence points to a wider crisis of confidence, structure and consistency. Fernandes can raise the team’s attacking threat, but he cannot carry every phase of play.
Carrick must also decide whether the midfielder starts immediately or returns through a reduced role. That choice will reveal whether the talks produced reconciliation, tactical clarity or simply a temporary truce.
Carrick is expected to remain in charge for the trip to Chelsea, giving him an immediate opportunity to change the mood. Fernandes’ involvement will be one of the clearest indicators of whether the manager believes the issue has been resolved.
A starting role would put the captain back at the centre of the response. A second omission would create a much larger storyline around the relationship between manager and player.