Michael Carrick’s former teammate could deliver worst-case scenario for Ineos in Chelsea clash

Michael Carrick is trying to lead Manchester United to a victory this weekend. One former teammate stands in his way.

Injuries are striking both Manchester United and Chelsea ahead of the matchup at Stamford Bridge on Halloween. Red Devils boss Michael Carrick will once again be without centre-forward Benjamin Sesko, ruled out until January.

Chelsea have a striker problem of their own, with joint-top scorer Joao Pedro ruled out ‘for a few weeks’ with a thigh injury. If you think that is positive news for Manchester United, think again.

This sets up an unwanted situation for Manchester United; new Chelsea striker Danny Welbeck could lead the line for the Blues.

Welbeck has scored eight goals against United for Arsenal and Brighton, including the goal that knocked the Red Devils out of the FA Cup in January 2026.

Carrick and Welbeck were teammates at Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson, winning the 2008/09 and 2012/13 titles together. Welbeck was on loan at Sunderland in 2010/11.

Back in May, Carrick spoke highly of Welbeck ahead of United’s league win at Brighton, expressing admiration for how he was still going strong at the age of 35.

“I’m delighted for him. He’s scored against us too many times. Being here, knowing him from so young, he’s fantastic. I still call him my lad. He’s an old man now, but it makes me feel old, the fact that he’s that age. But huge respect for him.

“I think it’s terrific coming through here, through the academy, and then made a massive impact. For him to go on and have the career he’s had and still be playing so well at the age he is, just shows how his mindset, his mentality, his attitude, all those things enable you to play to 35.

“He deserves a lot of credit for that, and I’m really delighted, genuinely, to see him doing so well.”

Welbeck has scored three goals for Chelsea since his surprise £7 million move to the Blues in the summer. These goals have all come in the Carabao Cup, with the forward searching for his first Premier League goal for the Blues.

You know the script by now. Danny Welbeck’s first Chelsea goal in the Premier League will come due against Manchester United.

With all the pressure on head coach Michael Carrick, Welbeck could cost his former teammate his job. He may think twice about celebrating.

Welbeck putting Carrick to the sword is worst case scenario for Ineos

Michael Carrick’s Manchester United losing to a Danny Welbeck inspired Chelsea feels like an inevitability, based on how the Red Devils’ season has been going.

If he scores a momentous goal to prompt Carrick’s sacking, it would be exactly the type of headline that Ineos would rather not exist.

Welbeck was a striker they considered in 2025 and chose not to pursue, and then in 2026 when he was available at just £7 million, they showed no interest and allowed him to sign for Chelsea.

Ineos’ decision not to sign any striker at all is coming under intense scrutiny from United supporters, with Benjamin Sesko ruled out of action until 2027.

Welbeck could have been leading the line for United at Stamford Bridge. Instead he is a very unwelcome problem to deal with, and a further reminder of the flawed recruitment in the summer.