Manchester United’s midfield has become a major talking point as Michael Carrick searches for a combination capable of bringing stability to his struggling side.

Against Bournemouth, Carrick made a notable decision to leave captain Bruno Fernandes on the bench after the midfielder had questioned the team’s tactics following their defeat to Como.

Manchester United started with a midfield trio of Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba, and Youri Tielemans, with Mason Mount also operating centrally in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Kobbie Mainoo was missing, leaving Carrick without another option who could offer composure in the middle of the pitch.

The experiment did little to change United’s fortunes, with Bournemouth leaving Old Trafford with a 3-0 victory.

With United now preparing for Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, Carrick has received an encouraging update on his midfield options.

Kobbie Mainoo hands Manchester United boost ahead of Chelsea clash

United confirmed on their website that Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training at Carrington, offering Manchester United a boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea.

The 21-year-old has missed United’s last four matches after featuring in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.

An unspecified muscular problem kept him out of the Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Como, as well as the league fixtures against Leeds United and Bournemouth.

Carrick had previously indicated that Mainoo could need around another 10 days to recover, leaving the Chelsea fixture as a potential return date.

Mainoo is not the only player United have been missing during a difficult run of results.

Marcus Rashford has been dealing with a hip problem, while Luke Shaw remains sidelined.

Benjamin Sesko is recovering from a shin problem, Patrick Dorgu has a hamstring injury and Manuel Ugarte remains a long-term absentee following a serious knee injury.

Chelsea will also be without leading scorer Joao Pedro, who has been ruled out for several weeks with a thigh injury, according to manager Xabi Alonso.