Man Utd trained on Wednesday morning and Michael Carrick was boosted by the return of midfielder Kobbie Mainoo.
Kobbie Mainoo is back in training.(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
View Image
Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has returned to full training after recovering from a minor injury.
Mainoo last played in United's 1-1 draw with Tottenham in the Premier League on October 10, meaning he has missed four matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como and Bournemouth.
The 21-year-old is set to be available to face Chelsea this weekend, a huge boost for Michael Carrick at a time when he is fighting to keep his job.
On Tuesday, United sources confirmed Carrick would be given more time to turn the Reds' situation around, following talks over a potential sacking between the club's leadership team after a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.
United have won two of their 12 games in all competitions this season, beating only Ipswich Town and Sabah, and they sit one point above the Premier League relegation zone.
Make sure you never miss the latest Manchester United news and opinion by making Manchester Evening News one of your Google preferred sources.
Mainoo pulled out of England duty during the October international break. He was fit enough to play a full 90 minutes against Spurs when domestic football resumed, but he was ruled out of the following game against Atletico Madrid.
Carrick has tinkered with the midfield in his absence, selecting Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba to play in the pivot, with Youri Tielemans in the No.10 role, which has meant Bruno Fernandes has been played in attack.
Fernandes was dropped by Carrick for the Bournemouth clash last weekend. The United captain questioned Carrick's tactics after the defeat to Como and consequently lost his starting place.
Carrick is still without Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu, but the 45-year-old will speak to the media at Carrington on Thursday afternoon, when the latest team news will be revealed.