Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes is expected to return to the starting XI when the Red Devils travel to Stamford Bridge for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League date with Chelsea.

The Portugal international found himself on the bench and only on the bench against Bournemouth last weekend, having publicly criticised Michael Carrick's tactics following Man Utd's Champions League loss to Como.

Carrick's decision was not vindicated, as the Red Devils were torn apart 3-0 by Bournemouth, but the 45-year-old remains in charge despite widespread expectation of an imminent sack.

Having held clear-the-air talk with Fernandes, Carrick should reintroduce his captain into the starting team in place of Youri Tielemans, who is struggling to impress in the red strip.

Fernandes's promotion should not force Mason Mount out of the side, as the Englishman was a rare bright spark against Bournemouth, but Amad Diallo is at risk of dropping out for Matheus Cunha.

Kobbie Mainoo is back in training following injury, but there is no guarantee that the England international will be fit to start, so expect Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos to continue as the double pivot.

However, Noussair Mazraoui and Lisandro Martinez should come into contention for defensive returns after last weekend's horror show; Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven may make way.

Marcus Rashford remains an injury doubt, while Luke Shaw (unspecified), Benjamin Sesko (shin), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Patrick Dorgu (thigh) are guaranteed absentees.

Manchester United possible starting lineup:

Lammens; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez, Dalot; Santos, Baleba; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Mount; Cunha