Manchester United head to Stamford Bridge knowing there is little room for another setback after a difficult run of results.

Michael Carrick has been under growing scrutiny, with his side struggling to turn performances into victories.

The timing is far from ideal, with Chelsea offering a dangerous attacking threat on home soil.

United’s defensive problems have been particularly frustrating, forcing Carrick to consider changes across the backline.

Injuries have also disrupted his ability to settle on a consistent team, with several regulars missing important fixtures.

The challenge now is finding a combination capable of handling Chelsea while keeping United’s season from slipping further off course.

Both clubs have significant injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s Premier League meeting, with United facing questions over several key players and Chelsea dealing with fresh problems of their own.

11 players to miss Chelsea vs Manchester United clash

Benjamin Sesko is one of United’s biggest concerns after suffering a recurrence of the shin problem that troubled him towards the end of last season.

Carrick has confirmed that the striker faces an extended absence, although an exact return date remains uncertain.

Reports have suggested he could be unavailable into early 2027.

Marcus Rashford is also a doubt after missing the defeats against Como and Bournemouth with a hip issue.

Carrick previously confirmed that the winger was still trying to overcome the problem, leaving his availability dependent on his recovery ahead of the weekend.

There is more uncertainty at the back, where Luke Shaw is expected to miss at least the next two matches.

Patrick Dorgu remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on international duty, while Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell out after suffering a serious knee injury.

Kobbie Mainoo, however, has returned to training after missing four consecutive matches, offering United a potential boost in midfield.

His involvement against Chelsea will depend on his fitness and Carrick’s assessment before kick-off.

Chelsea also have several absentees to manage after their midweek Carabao Cup exit against Liverpool.

Maxence Lacroix was forced off with a suspected hamstring injury, and manager Xabi Alonso admitted that further assessment was needed before its severity could be determined.

Joao Pedro is expected to miss the match with a thigh injury and could remain unavailable until after the November international break.

Reece James has undergone minor knee surgery and is facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines, while Jamie Gittens is recovering from an ankle injury.

Emiliano Martinez is also recovering from jaw surgery, while Pep Chavarria has been stepping up his training after missing recent matches.

With both sides dealing with fitness concerns, the final team selections could have a significant bearing on a fixture that arrives at a crucial point in United’s season.