Man United visit Chelsea in the Premier League this lunchtime in desperate need of a win to end a rotten run of form

Michael Carrick needs a response from his Manchester United players this afternoon as they visit Chelsea in a must-win game. The Reds are winless in eight matches and sit perilously close to the relegation zone. Carrick's task will be made harder by the absentees in his matchday squad.

Benjamin Sesko is out until 2027. He is joined on the sidelines by Luke Shaw, Patrick Dorgu, Marcus Rashford and Manuel Ugarte.

There is some good news for the Reds, though. Kobbie Mainoo returned to training this week and could start for United at Stamford Bridge. With this in mind, MEN Sport has taken a look at who our United writers think should feature against Xabi Alonso's men.

Steven Railston

Carrick has to make changes after the hammering against Bournemouth. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez haven't been a successful partnership this season, but I want to pick Harry Amass - who wasn't spotted with the travelling squad but I believe should be given a chance - at left-back, so their experience is needed.

Mainoo returned to training on Wednesday. Carrick hasn't usually recalled players to the XI upon their return to the squad after recovery from injury, but an exception should be made to start Mainoo with Carlos Baleba.

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Shea Lacey warrants a start on the right wing. He's hungry to make his mark and hasn't featured enough since his brilliant goal against Brighton last month.

Carrick has nothing to lose by giving two talented academy players a run out. His senior players have let him down over the last few weeks, and Lacey and Amass can do no worse.

Jack Flintham

It could be make-or-break time for Carrick, and while he would like to make more changes, his hands are tied due to injuries. I would break up the Maguire and Martinez partnership, recalling Matthijs de Ligt to partner the Argentine in defence. Diogo Dalot needs to return at right-back so on the left the Reds may have to use Ayden Heaven in his slightly unfamiliar role.

Baleba and Mainoo with a fit and firing Bruno Fernandes ahead of them seems like United's best midfield. While I have enjoyed Lacey's cameos off the bench, perhaps this is a game for Amad to keep his place with Matheus Cunha on the opposite flank.

Bryan Mbeumo should lead the line in Sesko's absence. United will be hoping that Danny Welbeck won't come back to haunt them in the opposition ranks.