Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to Manchester United's starting XI for the trip to Chelsea, after Michael Carrick held face-to-face clear-the-air talks with the captain. Fernandes was left on the bench for the Bournemouth defeat, and United head to Stamford Bridge on Saturday needing a sharper response than they have managed for much of this season.
Carrick's reset before Stamford Bridge
Carrick's meeting with Fernandes came before Chelsea vs Manchester United, and the selection call has become harder to ignore after United's poor start. They have 7 points from 8 league matches and sit 16th in the Premier League, with their recent league form reading LDDDL.
Fernandes has still been productive in his own way. He has made 7 Premier League appearances this season, scored 3 goals and delivered 1 assist, with a 7.15 rating. That is why the benching against Bournemouth stood out in the first place, and why a return against Chelsea feels more like a correction than a gamble.
Mainoo adds one more option
There is some better news elsewhere in midfield, with Kobbie Mainoo back in full training after a minor injury. He last played in United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham on 10 October and has missed four matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como and Bournemouth.
Mainoo's return does not settle the whole team sheet, and it certainly does not guarantee a start at Stamford Bridge. United are still without Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, but getting Fernandes back into the frame and Mainoo back on the grass gives Carrick a little more room than he had last weekend.
Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 3 outlets. How we work →
