Manchester United could be without Kobbie Mainoo once again vs Chelsea, and if so, Manuel Ugarte can’t start. This leaves Michael Carrick with six alternatives.
At Old Trafford on Monday night, Manchester United’s midfield of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro was exposed by Ao Tanaka as he ran riot on the pair.
The pairing Michael Carrick selected quite simply doesn’t work together, and United were punished. Ugarte was voted the worst performer for United in the match, and as a result, should be replaced.
So, against Chelsea, Ugarte cannot start. Ayden Heaven would be a contender, but he is needed at centre-back with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez out.
Here are six options Carrick could consider if Kobbie Mainoo is deemed not ready to start.
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Bruno Fernandes
The first and most obvious option on this list would be for Bruno Fernandes to step back into the role he played for 12 months under Ruben Amorim.
It wouldn’t be perfect, but Fernandes would offer United ball progression, passing, and creativity from midfield, which had been lacking against Leeds.
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In Fernandes’ stead, there are options to play in the 10, such as Matheus Cunha. This is probably the most likely and safest option for Carrick.
Mason Mount
Another senior option for Carrick to start in the midfield, opposed to Ugarte, is Mason Mount, as the number seven is fit and ready to play despite not getting a minute against Leeds.
Mount was initially signed by Erik ten Hag to partner Casemiro, and Carrick could trial this combination against Chelsea, where Mount will surely want to impress.
Mount’s transfer to United has been a complete failure, but if he can help the Red Devils get Champions League football in the next few weeks, he could almost pay for himself.
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Mason Mount during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford in 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Tyler Fletcher
Since debuting against Spurs in February, Tyler Fletcher hasn’t added to his promising United cameo.
However, that could change this weekend if Mainoo isn’t back, because technically Fletcher would be the next man up in that position with Ugarte benched.
He has been on the bench in recent months, and a start here could potentially be career-making if he thrives. Fletcher would offer better on-the-ball quality than Ugarte; however, there would be concern over Moises Caicedo’s physicality against him.
Matheus Cunha
One potential wildcard option United could turn to is Matheus Cunha, who has the physicality, ball carrying, and defensive work rate to do a solid job in central midfield.
Almost like how Newcastle did with Joelinton, Cunha as a midfielder could be a step to extend his career at United in the coming years, with left-wing looking unlikely.
However, this is the least likely option on the list in our book, but he probably starts as a 10 if Fernandes moves back.
Jack Fletcher
Amorim played Jack Fletcher as a deeper midfielder in December, and while he isn’t ideally suited to the role, he could do a job if needed, with Casemiro doing the heavy lifting physically as Fletcher does all the running.
Fletcher has been on fire for the U21 side this year and deserves more first-team opportunities, which could come before the end of this season.
However, like Cunha, against Chelsea, he would be more likely to feature in the number 10 role, but should be seriously considered by Carrick for a chance here.
Jim Thwaites
The outside midfield option Carrick is surely mulling over is Jim Thwaites.
During the training camp in Ireland, Thwaites was included in the United squad, and his evident quality will surely have impressed the first-team staff.
Thwaites should be involved in the first team next season and that could all start on Saturday night.
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