According to a report by The Football Faithful on Saturday October 31, 2026, Bruno Fernandes returns to Manchester United’s starting XI for the Premier League clash with Chelsea after missing last weekend’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth.

The captain was left on the bench following reported concerns about manager Michael Carrick’s tactics. The two have since held face-to-face talks, and Fernandes is back in the No. 10 role.

Youri Tielemans drops to the substitutes’ bench to make way for Fernandes. United have also made one change in defence, with Lisandro Martínez replacing Ayden Heaven. Diogo Dalot appears to have moved across to left-back, while Leny Yoro is positioned on the right.

Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos retain their places in midfield. The match is a return to Chelsea for Santos, who joined United in a reported £50 million summer move. Kobbie Mainoo is among the substitutes after recovering from injury.

Carrick remains without Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Šeško, who are unavailable for selection.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso has handed Estevão Willian his first Premier League start of the season.

The Brazilian joins Cole Palmer and Pedro Neto in an attacking line-up that features Morgan Rogers up front, with no recognised striker in the starting XI.

Chelsea have several absentees of their own. Maxence Lacroix and João Pedro are out through injury, alongside Emi Martínez, Reece James and Jorrel Hato. Pep Chavarría returns to the squad and is named among the substitutes.

Chelsea starting XI

Penders; Acheampong, Fofana, Colwill, Palestra; Caicedo, Lavia; Estevão, Palmer, Neto; Rogers.

Substitutes Sharman-Lowe, Barco, Welbeck, Emegha, Quenda, Gusto, Chavarría, Nicoll-Jazuli, Subuloye.

Manchester United starting XI

Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martínez, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.

Substitutes Darlow, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Mount, Zirkzee, Tielemans, Heaven, Lacey, Mainoo.