Bruno Fernandes has been restored to Manchester United's starting lineup for today's Premier League meeting with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The captain held clear-the-air talks with manager Michael Carrick this week after being an unused substitute in the 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth.
Fernandes keeps the armband
Carrick has confirmed that Fernandes will retain the captain's armband following his public criticism of the tactics used in the recent Champions League loss in Como. United are without a win in eight games after the club's worst-ever start to a Premier League season, leaving Carrick facing a difficult run of fixtures to save his job.
Defensive concerns persist
Carrick's main problem remains his defence, a particular concern against a Chelsea side that has scored 26 goals in 11 matches. With no fit left-backs available, including Luke Shaw, Diogo Dalot is expected to start there again, with Leny Yoro preferred over Noussair Mazraoui on the right. Lisandro Martinez partners Harry Maguire in central defence, while Senne Lammens continues in goal.
Amad Diallo has been inconsistent under Carrick but remains capable of winning any match. Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba are the favoured midfield pairing, with Kobbie Mainoo fit enough for the bench after returning to training this week.
Confirmed lineup and team news
Manchester United XI vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Yoro; Andrey Santos, Baleba; Amad, Fernandes, Mbeumo; Cunha. Subs: Darlow, De Ligt, Heaven, Mazraoui, Mainoo, Mount, Tielemans, Lacey, Zirkzee. Injured: Shaw, Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte, Rashford.
The match kicks off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday October 31, 2026, at Stamford Bridge and will be shown on TNT Sports.
