Chelsea vs. Man United: Michael Carrick's stance on Bruno Fernandes captaincy revealed ahead of Blues battle

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said that Bruno Fernandes will remain as club captain, with the recent issue between the pair now resolved.

Fernandes was critical of Carrick's tactics following last week's 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League, and the Portugal international was then an unused substitute in the Premier League against Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon.

There has since been a host of speculation surrounding Fernandes' future, and Man United legend Paul Scholes recently said that it could be difficult for the attacker to continue at Old Trafford and also in European football due to his recent criticism.

However, earlier this week, Carrick and Fernandes had clear-the-air talks, and the issue between the two individuals has now been resolved.

Fernandes will remain as Man United captain

"Listen, we're clear with the situation of the team, and as a football club at the moment. As I've just said, he's an important player for this group," Carrick told reporters.

"He has been and he will be. 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 kind of led the team so well for many a game and many a year, and he'll continue to do that."

When asked if Fernandes could have the captaincy taken away from him, Carrick said: "There is no decision to be made on that."

Fernandes is set to start for Man United against Chelsea

Fernandes is set to return to the starting side against Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, as Man United look to win in the Premier League for the first time since the end of August.

The 32-year-old has faced Chelsea on 14 occasions during his professional career, boasting a record of five wins wins, six draws and three defeats against them, scoring five goals and registering two assists.

Carrick had been expected to lose his job at Old Trafford off the back of the loss to Bournemouth, but he has been given time to turn the club's campaign around.

It is understood that Fernandes is also now very much on the same page, with the Portuguese fired-up to lead the Red Devils through a difficult period.