- Manchester United face Chelsea on Saturday
- Kobbie Mainoo has been back in training
- English midfielder missed Leeds loss
Kobbie Mainoo could return for Manchester United in their crucial showdown with Chelsea on Saturday (April 18th). The Red Devils travel to Stamford Bridge following a wounding 2-1 loss to Leeds United.
Michael Carrick’s men faltered at Old Trafford on Monday night, deservedly beaten by rivals Leeds. Mainoo played no part due to a slight injury sustained during training.
Mainoo was a big miss as Casemiro was instead partnered by Manuel Ugarte and the pair didn’t work well together. Carrick will be eager to have the young Englishman back for such an important game.
Man United and Carrick Set to Make Mainoo Decision
According to Sully Talkz, Mainoo participated in team training on Thursday and is “in contention” to make Carrick’s squad for the Chelsea game. A decision on his availability will be made within the next 24 hours.
Carrick will decide whether the 20-year-old can face the Blues this weekend. While he’ll know just how vital it is to get a positive result in west London he’ll be wary of risking Mainoo with just six games left.
United still remain on course to return to the Champions League despite the defeat to Leeds. They sit third in the table, seven points ahead of sixth-placed Chelsea.
Mainoo was a mainstay in Carrick’s team before sitting out the loss at home to the Peacocks. He has made 10 appearances for the Reds since the change in coach in January, posting two assists.
Carrick Can’t Go With Ugarte Again
If Mainoo isn’t fit to face Chelsea, it still shouldn’t mean Carrick continues with Ugarte. The Uruguayan struggled against Leeds, unable to provide the ball-playing profile that is needed when partnering Casemiro.
Ugarte’s future is uncertain amid a poor spell at Old Trafford since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain for £50m back in the summer of 2024. His display on Monday might just have convinced INEOS to part ways.
Carrick does have other options such as playing Bruno Fernandes in a deeper role and starting Mason Mount in attacking midfield. The English midfielder could be eager to impress against his former club who have taken some pleasure in his recurring injury issues.
