Manchester United visit Chelsea in the Premier League desperate for a win
Manchester United visit Chelsea in the Premier League desperate for a win
Welcome to our coverage of Manchester United’s trip to Chelsea in the Premier League.
If ever a manager needed a win, it is Michael Carrick. The Reds are winless in their last eight matches and have not won in the Premier League since the 5-2 victory over Ipswich Town on August 30.
Carrick will know he is on borrowed time, even if he claimed not to be surprised by keeping his job following those crisis talks. One result could change the noise surrounding Carrick and winning at Chelsea could be a turning point.
His chances of doing that have been boosted by the return of Kobbie Mainoo. The midfielder was back in training this week and could start. As could Bruno Fernandes after he held clear-the-air talks with Carrick this week. Benjamin Sesko, Manuel Ugarte and Patrick Dorgu are out while Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw are also not expected to feature.
Key Events
United support unwaivering
It was still dark when I arrived at Manchester Piccadilly in the early hours of this morning. There were even some punters milling about the station who had just been on a night out. The MEN reports to games three hours before kick-off, but United fans will obviously have travelled down on later trains. There are some lovely pubs in Kensington and the ‘day out’ with friends is reason why many fans keep doing away trips, despite the awful results. United have some of the best match going support in the world - and they deserve a decent showing on the pitch today.
WATCH - Manchester is Red podcast
Ahead of today's game, why not catch up on the latest installment of the Manchester is Red podcast. This week Steven Railston and Jack Flintham discuss how Carrick has kept his job, how long he has left and preview today's match.
You can watch the full episode, here>>>
The Manchester is Red podcast is back for the 2026/27 season as Manchester United take on Europe
The Manchester is Red podcast is back for the 2026/27 season as Manchester United take on Europe
Ratcliffe in attendance
Ratcliffe is expected to attend today’s game at Stamford Bridge. He is a former Chelsea season ticket holder and Ineos’ headquarters are not far away from the stadium. The British billionaire has been in charge of football operations at United for over two years now and fans wish he’d never set eyes on acquiring a minority stake. He has presided over an awful period, and United’s current plight is a consequence of poor decisions made by the board members he employed. “Best in class, you’re having a laugh,” came from the Stretford End last weekend, which said it all.
Carrick needs a response from his Manchester United players this afternoon as they visit Chelsea in a must-win game. The Reds are winless in eight matches and sit perilously close to the relegation zone. Carrick's task will be made harder by the absentees in his matchday squad. Benjamin Sesko is out until 2027. He is joined on the sidelines by Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte.
There is some good news for the Reds, though. Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this week and could start for United at Stamford Bridge. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at who our United writers think should feature against Xabi Alonso's men.
Read more here>>>
(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Carrick surprise
I’m not sure anyone expected Carrick to be in charge for this game after full-time against Bournemouth last weekend. He looked emotional as he saluted the Stretford End and it was the kind of result that would ordinarily get a United manager sacked. United have gone eight games without a win, and have won just twice in 12 matches in all competitions.
Carrick said he was “not surprised” that he was still in a job when he spoke on Thursday, but he must be the only one thinking that. It feels like he’s been given a stay of execution, but he could survive beyond the November international break if United can somehow discover form over their next three games.
(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
United predicted XI
United visit Chelsea this afternoon knowing only a win will start to relieve the pressure on Michael Carrick. Many expected the United head coach to be sacked this week after chastening defeats to Como and Bournemouth. But he remains at the helm with the United hierarchy affording him the chance to turn things around.
It's difficult to see how Carrick does that, but a victory over Chelsea today would be a good start.
Read more here>>>
Amass misses out
Amass has not been included in the squad due to Mainoo being recalled, which isn’t really a surprise given Carrick has not fancied him at a time when Shaw and Dorgu have been unavailable. Heaven and Mazraoui have been preferred at left-back and it should be between that pair for that starting role today. Amass has signed for a new agency and needs to leave to kick on in his career. He’s a talented defender and it’s a shame we haven’t seen more of him. Who knows what might have happened if Carrick had given him a proper crack.
Harry Amass of Manchester United in action during the training session/press conference on day ahead of the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 at Carrington Training Ground on October 20, 2026 in Manchester, England
Amass has struggled for opportunities despite United's injury frailties(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
How to watch Chelsea vs United
Supporters in the UK will be able to tune into today's game on TNT Sports 1 and Ultimate. The match is also available to stream on HBO Max. Alternatively, you can stay right here for all the build-up to this huge game for Carrick.
(Image: PA)
Match odds
Ahead of today's game, here are the latest match odds from bet365:
Chelsea to win - 21/20
Draw - 13/5
United to win - 5/2
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. Begambleaware.org
What United players don't want to happen
Tielemans insists the United squad "don't want a big change that is going to disrupt things more than they are" amid continued uncertainty over Carrick's future.
Carrick looked set to be shown the exit door earlier this week after heavy defeats to Como and Bournemouth. United chiefs held crisis talks on Monday, and on Tuesday it was revealed that Carrick had been given a chance to turn things around.
How long he is given to prove he is the man to drag United out of their current plight remains unclear, but Tielemans is adamant the squad is behind Carrick and that they don't want any further disruption to what has been a chaotic season so far.
Read more here>>>
(Image: 2026 Manchester United FC)
Hello!
Hello and welcome to our coverage of United's trip to Chelsea in the Premier League.
Carrick's side are desperate for three points this lunchtime having gone eight games without a win. The Reds are boosted by the return of Mainoo but Sesko has been handed a hammer blow in his recovery from a shin issue. He is expected to be out until January at least.
There are now just three games before the international break and Carrick knows he has to turn things around before then to avoid the sack. None of the fixtures are easy but if United can start off with a win today they will put themselves in a good frame of mind heading into next week.
Stay tuned for updates...