Carrick will be delighted: Man Utd star returns to training, could now play vs Chelsea

Manchester United have received a major boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Kobbie Mainoo was notably absent from the clash against Leeds United on Monday night due to injury.

Manuel Ugarte replaced him in the starting XI, with United midfield failing to dictate the tempo of the game.

According to reports, Mainoo took part in training today and could be available against Chelsea.

United head coach Michael Carrick is expected to make a late decision on his availability within the next 24 hours.

Mainoo had been a constant presence under Carrick, starting all 10 matches before being sidelined for the Leeds encounter.

His absence was keenly felt, as United slipped to a disappointing 2-1 defeat to their rivals.

Without him, the Red Devils found it difficult to progress the ball through central areas, placing excessive creative responsibility on Bruno Fernandes.

If declared fit, the academy graduate is almost certain to walk straight back into the starting XI.

Carrick has big concerns in defence with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez suspended for the game. Matthijs de Ligt is also out injured.

Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven are expected to start in central defence.

Reintroducing Mainoo alongside Casemiro could provide much-needed balance and composure in midfield.

United currently sit third in the Premier League standings, holding a seven-point advantage over Chelsea.

With just six games remaining, the race for the top-five is intensifying, with Liverpool and Aston Villa firmly in the mix.

(Also read: Jose Mourinho, 2005-06 title glory & unlikely heroes: Four insane Man United vs Chelsea battles that had it all)

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .