Bruno Fernandes returns to Manchester United lineup after Carrick criticism

Bruno Fernandes is back in the Manchester United lineup for the team's visit to Chelsea on Saturday, Oct. 31. The Portugal international was on the bench for the Red Devils' defeat against Bournemouth last weekend and didn't enter the game. It was a surprise decision from manager Michael Carrick, on

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Bruno Fernandes is back in the Manchester United lineup for the team's visit to Chelsea on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The Portugal international was on the bench for the Red Devils' defeat against Bournemouth last weekend and didn't enter the game. It was a surprise decision from manager Michael Carrick, one that came just days after Fernandes questioned Carrick's tactics in a 4-1 UEFA Champions League loss to Como

.

With Man United visiting Chelsea in a critical clash, Fernandes is back in the squad, with the saga appearing to be water under the bridge.

“He’s an important player for this group. He has been and he will be," Carrick said in his pre-match news conference this week.

"Between us, we’ve got to make a difference and we’ve got to push things in a good

direction. He’s fully committed to this football club, he’s fully committed to making things better. It doesn’t change for me. He’s the one that’s led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he’ll continue to do that.”

Now, Fernandes will look not only to help Manchester United snap an eight-match winless skid but will continue to serve as captain.

"There’s no decision to be made on that," Carrick said when asked in the pre-match news conference if the 32-year-old would still wear the captain's armband. "Bruno is fully committed to the football club, there’s no issues with that."