Mainoo returns to training to boost under-pressure Carrick ahead of Chelsea

Kobbie Mainoo is in contention to face Chelsea this weekend after returning to full training at Manchester United’s Carrington base, offering manager Michael Carrick a timely lift as he fights to save his job.

The 21-year-old midfielder last featured in United’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Tottenham on 10 October, and has since missed four matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como and Bournemouth. Mainoo had originally withdrawn from England duty during the October international break before completing 90 minutes against Spurs when club football resumed, only to be ruled out again shortly after.

Carrick’s position has come under serious scrutiny following a run of results that has left United with just two wins from 12 games in all competitions — victories over Ipswich Town and Sabah — and sitting one point above the Premier League relegation zone. On Tuesday, club sources confirmed Carrick had been given more time to turn the situation around after talks over a potential sacking were held within the leadership group following a 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

In Mainoo’s absence, Carrick has experimented with his midfield shape, deploying Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba in a pivot and handing Youri Tielemans the No.10 role. That reshuffle pushed Bruno Fernandes into a more advanced position, though the United captain was dropped entirely for the Bournemouth game after publicly questioning Carrick’s tactics following the defeat to Como.

Carrick remains without Luke Shaw, Marcus Rashford, Benjamin Sesko and Patrick Dorgu for the Chelsea fixture. The manager is scheduled to speak to the media at Carrington on Thursday afternoon, when the full picture on team availability is expected to become clearer.