Chelsea vs Manchester United: What Carrick Said on Martinez, Maguire, Mainoo

• Manchester United face Chelsea tonight
• Michael Carrick rues defensive absences
• Set to make a decision over Kobbie Mainoo

Michael Carrick touched on several important issues ahead of Manchester United’s encounter with Chelsea tonight. The English coach needs his Reds to bounce back following a 2-1 loss to Leeds United on Monday.

The job has been made even harder amid the FA’s decision to uphold Harry Maguire’s and Lisandro Martinez’s bans. The pair will miss the trip to Stamford Bridge as a result.

The good news is that Kobbie Mainoo is back and in Carrick’s squad after missing the Leeds loss. But another massive injury blow has given the manager an almighty headache.

‘Dissapointed’ – Carrick on Maguire and Martinez Bans

The Maguire and Martinez absences couldn’t have come at a worse time, given United’s hopes of a Champions League return. While they still occupy third place, the Leeds defeat has just opened the door for sixth-placed Chelsea, who are seven points behind the Reds ahead of tonight’s game.

Carrick was asked for his thoughts on Martinez’s controversial sending off, and he made his feelings clear:

“We didn’t agree with it, it’s obvious how I felt after the game, and I still feel that way now. I don’t want to go into it now, it is what it is. We have to accept it and move on.”

This was a similar verdict given over Maguire’s suspension being extended due to allegedly telling a fourth offical he was a “joke” in a 2-2 draw against Bournemouth:

“To be honest, there’s not much to react to. I’m disappointed, of course. We’ve had a few reasons to be disappointed over the last few weeks. We have to move on because the decision has been made.”

‘A Decision’ – Carrick on Mainoo Fitness

Carrick has named Mainoo in his squad for the Chelsea game and it appears the young Englishman has shaken off an injury problem. His coach touched on his chances of starting at Stamford Bridge:

“Kobbie is doing little bits, he’s working toward it, he’s doing bits, so there’s a decision to be made.”

Mainoo’s last outing came against Bournemouth and he was in action for England during the international break. His potential return means Manuel Ugarte will likely drop out of the starting XI.

‘In a Good Place’ – Carrick on Heaven

Leny Yoro has picked up an injury and isn’t going to be available against Chelsea. There are reportedly concerns that the young Frenchman’s season is over.

Carrick didn’t comment on Yoro’s injury because the news broke after his press conference. But he commented on Ayden Heaven who is likely to start alongside Luke Shaw in central defence:

“Ayden is in a good place. He’s still young, and he’s progressing through the early stages of his career, so I think it’s natural for him to play some games and not some others. He’s training really well, improving and listening. It’s natural for a centre-back of his age, and he’s ahead of schedule in terms of the games he’s played. He trained with England a few weeks ago and did well. He’s looking forward to the game, for sure.”

Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea kicks off at 8PM in the UK and will go a long way in determining the top five race. A win is vital not just with Champions League football at stake but also to boost morale after the Leeds loss.