(Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images)
Kobbie Mainoo has travelled with the Manchester United squad to London ahead of this afternoon’s clash with Chelsea.
The highly-rated midfielder has missed the last four games through injury, but is now poised to return to the side after training in the lead-up to today’s contest.
Kobbie Mainoo to make injury return vs Chelsea
(Photo via club media)
It comes as a major boost for Michael Carrick, as United are winless in the nine matches he hasn’t started in 2026.
Of the 23 times he has been named in the starting XI, the Reds have won 14 games.
Manchester United's record with and without Kobbie Mainoo in the starting XI in 2026: ◉ With – 14 wins in 23 games◎ Without – 0 wins in 9 games A timely return for Michael Carrick. 🤞 https://t.co/Qsk3T9E3r5 pic.twitter.com/hf0muXeZHz — Squawka (@Squawka) October 29, 2026
The ‘immense’ 21-year-old has also yet to feature from the off alongside summer signing Carlos Baleba, who has impressed in his first appearances in red, even amidst the side’s dismal run of form.
It’s expected Baleba and Mainoo will be Carrick’s first-choice partnership in midfield when both are fit, so it remains to be seen how Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans, both of whom also arrived in the summer, will be utilised in the coming months.
United’s team news for matchweek nine
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 16: Benjamin Sesko of Manchester United reacts during the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford on September 16, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)
Elsewhere in Carrick’s squad for the 12.30pm kick-off, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw remain unavailable.
The former is nursing a hip injury that he is said to have been carrying since the World Cup, and his last appearance came on October 13 in the Champions League defeat away to Atletico Madrid.
Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu are long-term absentees, while Benjmain Sesko will be out of action until at least January due to the re-aggravation of his shin injury.
Michael Carrick's full quote on Benjamin Sesko: "Yeah, unfortunately Ben looks like he's going to be out for a period of time (January is the expectation). "We're still not clear of exactly how long, but it's going to be for a longer period of time. It was the process, as I… pic.twitter.com/5qe0XtUjjm — Steven Railston (@StevenRailston) October 29, 2026
His setback has, according to The Athletic, prompted INEOS to enter the market for a centre-forward in January.
They have set their sights on experienced frontman Dominic Calvert-Lewin. However, Leeds united are now actively working to tie their talisman down to an extended deal after learning of their arch-rivals’ interest.
#MUFC exploring market for centre-forwards in January, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin under consideration. Move considered remote given rivalry between teams. Leeds believed to be looking at securing new contract for star striker. w/ @BerenCross ⬇️https://t.co/Xg52hQ6qUf — Laurie Whitwell (@lauriewhitwell) October 29, 2026
LEEDS, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 18: Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, reacts from the touchline during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Elland Road on October 18, 2026 in Leeds, England.
Jacobs reveals contract clause that will facilitate Carrick’s Man Utd sacking
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 25: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United arrives at the stadium before 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 Istitene/Getty Images)
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