Kobbie Mainoo has returned to first-team training as Michael Carrick prepares his Manchester United squad to face off against Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Manchester United’s return to action on Monday evening fell flat, as Leeds United secured an eye-catching 2–1 win at Old Trafford.
It was United’s first competitive outing in 24 days, with Michael Carrick’s side aiming to strengthen their push for a Champions League spot.
Instead, the defeat leaves them level on points with Aston Villa, with the two sides occupying third and fourth in the Premier League standings.
United’s attention now turns to a trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday evening, where they will face Chelsea, another side in the race for Champions League qualification. Liam Rosenior’s team arrive in poor form, having lost four of their last five league games.
A victory for United would not only mark a quick response but also move them ten points clear of sixth-placed Chelsea, boosting their chances of securing a top-four finish.
Mainoo returns to training ahead of Chelsea clash
One key reason for United's loss to Leeds, beyond the rustiness and general poor performance of the Reds, was that Kobbie Mainoo was absent due to a minor injury.
Carrick stated before the tie that Mainoo had been dealing with an issue in training that appeared to be a minor problem, quelling worries that the midfielder could be out for a sustained spell.
According to the ever-reliable SullyTalkz on X, Mainoo took part in group training on Thursday and is in contention for the squad against Chelsea.
it is claimed that the next 24 hours will determine his availability, with Carrick set to make the final decision on his travelling squad on Friday.
What about United's other absenses?
As for who may be unavailable to face the Blues on Saturday evening, Matthijs de Ligt and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu are not expected to be in the squad. While Dorgu will return either later this month or in early May, De Ligt may not play again this season.
The other major blow for the Reds is that Harry Maguire has been handed a further one-match ban after being charged with improper conduct following his red card against Bournemouth.
Lisandro Martínez was sent off against Leeds after he was alleged to have pulled Dominic Calvert-Lewin's hair, and has been handed a three-game ban. Although United plan to appeal, they feel it will be upheld, meaning he will miss the Chelsea trip.
Diogo Dalot missed the recent training camp in Ireland due to a virus and was only fit to make an appearance off the bench against Leeds, but could return to the starting XI in West London.