Michael Carrick has to find answers quick if he wants to keep his job at Old Trafford - but the under-fire boss has decisions to make when it comes to his Manchester United line-up for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea.

Without a win in eight games after the club’s worst start to a Premier League season, Carrick faces a tough run of games, starting with a lunchtime kick-off away at Stamford Bridge.

Carrick’s biggest headache remains the same: his defence. This is extremely pertinent against a Chelsea side showing off their attacking prowess under Xabi Alonso, scoring 26 goals in 11 matches.

With no fit left-backs available, it feels inevitable that Diogo Dalot will start on the left, with centre-back Leny Yoro likely preferred again over natural full-back Noussair Mazraoui on the right.

Lisandro Martinez should be fit enough to partner Harry Maguire in the middle of the back four, while Senne Lammens remains first-choice in goal.

It is hoped that Bruno Fernandes’ injury concern will have been subdued after effectively being rested during Man Utd’s defeat to Bournemouth at the weekend.

If fit enough to play, captain Fernandes will start after clearing the air with boss Carrick earlier this week.

Bruno Fernandes was in training ahead of Saturday’s game

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Matheus Cunha has seemingly fallen out of favour at Old Trafford, with Carrick preferring to start Bryan Mbeumo up top as Man Utd deal with the absence of striker Benjamin Sesko, who is out until January.

Amad Diallo has blown hot and cold under Carrick, but remains capable of winning a match on his day. Carrick may be forced to play Fernandes out wide again if he does not start Cunha up top, with Youiri Tielemans sitting in the number 10 role.

Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba are quickly becoming the favoured midfield pairing, although Kobbie Mainoo could be fit enough to feature in some capacity.

Predicted Manchester United XI vs Chelsea (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Yoro, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Andrey Santos, Baleba; Diallo, Tielemans, Fernandes; Mbuemo

Injured: Shaw, Rashford, Ugarte, Sesko

Time and date: 12.30pm GMT on Saturday October 31, 2026

Venue: Stamford Bridge

How to watch: TNT Sports