Manchester United should have Bruno Fernandes back in their starting lineup as they face a crunch clash with Chelsea in the Premier League today.

The Red Devils captain held clear-the-air talks with under-fire manager Michael Carrick this week and is expected to return to the XI at Stamford Bridge after remaining an unused substitute during the dismal 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth last time out.

Without a win in eight games after the club’s worst-ever start to a Premier League season, Carrick faces a tough run of fixtures to save his job, starting with a lunchtime kick-off away in west London.

Carrick’s biggest headache remains the same: his defence. That 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, including Luke Shaw, it feels inevitable that Diogo Dalot will start there again, with centre-back Leny Yoro likely preferred 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.

Back in action: Bruno Fernandes should start as Manchester United travel to Chelsea

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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 ongoing absence of striker Benjamin Sesko, who is out until January with a lingering shin injury.

Amad Diallo has blown hot and cold under Carrick so far, but remains capable of winning any match on his day. Carrick may be forced to play Fernandes out wide again if he does not start Cunha up top, with Youri Tielemans sitting in the No10 role.

Andrey Santos and Carlos Baleba are quickly becoming the favoured midfield pairing, although Kobbie Mainoo will be fit enough to feature in some capacity after returning to training this week.

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

Injured: Shaw, Sesko, Dorgu, Ugarte

Doubt: Rashford

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

Venue: Stamford Bridge

How to watch: TNT Sports