Michael Carrick must find a defence capable of containing a free-scoring Chelsea side as Manchester United travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, still searching for their first win in eight league games.
The under-fire boss faces one of the toughest tests of his tenure with a lunchtime kick-off against a Chelsea team that has scored 26 goals in 11 matches under Xabi Alonso. United's worst start to a Premier League season has left Carrick without a win in eight, and his biggest concern remains the back line.
Defensive reshuffle forced by injuries
With no fit left-backs available, Diogo Dalot is expected to start on the left, while centre-back Leny Yoro is likely to be preferred again over natural full-back Noussair Mazraoui on the right. Lisandro Martinez should be fit enough to partner Harry Maguire in the middle, with Senne Lammens continuing as first-choice goalkeeper.
Bruno Fernandes is hoped to have recovered from an injury concern after being effectively rested during the defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend. The captain is expected to start if fit, having cleared the air with Carrick earlier this week.
Attack and midfield decisions
Matheus Cunha has seemingly fallen out of favour, with Carrick preferring Bryan Mbeumo up top as the club deals with the absence of striker Benjamin Sesko, who is out until January. Amad Diallo remains capable of winning a match on his day, while Carrick may be forced to play Fernandes out wide if Cunha does not start, with Youiri Tielemans in the number 10 role.
Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba are becoming the favoured midfield pairing, although Kobbie Mainoo could be fit enough to feature in some capacity.
Predicted line-up and match details
Predicted Manchester United XI vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Andrey Santos, Baleba; Diallo, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbeumo.
Injured: Shaw, Rashford, Ugarte, Sesko. The match kicks off at 12.30pm GMT on Saturday October 31, 2026 at Stamford Bridge, and will be shown on TNT Sports.
