(Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Kobbie Mainoo is one member of the Manchester United squad who’s keen to help turn things around for Michael Carrick.
It’s once again that time when countless players are being accused of downing tools before another manager is relieved of his duties, and the process starts all over again.
Kobbie Mainoo on verge of injury return
(Photo via club media)
Yet, Mainoo isn’t one of them.
He has missed the last four games across all competitions through injury, and is seemingly chomping at the bit to get back out on the pitch and make his mark.
The 21-year-old took part in a full first-team training session on Wednesday, all but confirming he would be back in the fold for Saturday’s clash at Stamford Bridge.
A boost for Michael Carrick as Kobbie Mainoo returns to Manchester United training after missing the last four games. Luke Shaw and Marcus Rashford were absent due to injury. 🔴 pic.twitter.com/SIfOdwDlgA — Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) October 28, 2026
Should he make his return, it could see Mainoo start alongside summer signing Carlos Baleba for the first time.
Romano said of the Carrington graduate on his YouTube channel: “Kobbie Mainoo loves Carrick.
“If you speak about players who really want to fight for the coach and help him, Kobbie is one of them, but he’s not the only one. The coach still has many players on his side.
“He is back for the next game. It’s good news for Michael Carrick.”
How United and Chelsea are faring ahead of matchweek nine
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks down during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth at Old Trafford on October 25, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
United enter the fixture on an eight-match winless streak, whereas Chelsea have lost their last two outings.
They slumped to a shock 2-0 home defeat to rivals Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, before being knocked out of the Carabao Cup last night at Anfield following a penalty shootout.
“This is the least important competition for us.” 🤔 Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso after being eliminated from the Carabao Cup 😳 pic.twitter.com/ep7vo3wTwm — CBS Sports Golazo ⚽️ (@CBSSportsGolazo) October 28, 2026
Xabi Alonso will be without Joao Pedro and club captain Reece James, although Cole Palmer will be available to play after serving his one-match suspension for his red card in the cup tie.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 12: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, looks on during the training session ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD2 at Carrington Training Ground on October 12, 2026 in Manchester, England.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 10: Pundit and former football player Peter Schmeichel looks on before the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1 match between Manchester United and Sabah FC at Old Trafford on September 10, 2026 in Manchester, England.
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