Kobbie Mainoo injury boost: Manchester United star returns to training

Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training ahead of Manchester United’s matchup against Chelsea.

Manchester United could welcome Kobbie Mainoo back this weekend against Chelsea, after the key midfielder returned to training.

Mainoo has not played for United since the start of October, the 1-1 draw at home to Tottenham. He has missed the four subsequent matches against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como, and Bournemouth.

United have lost three of the four games Mainoo has missed, and drawn the other. His return would be a key boost.

The Mail’s Chris Wheeler reports Mainoo has returned to training at Carrington, and could be involved against Chelsea this weekend.

Manchester United are a better team when Kobbie Mainoo starts

Data shows that Manchester United are better under Michael Carrick when Kobbie Mainoo starts.

Going back to Carrick’s appointment in January to now, United with 76.4 per cent of games when Mainoo starts, compared to only 34.7 per cent without him.

Metric With Mainoo Starting Without Mainoo Starting Win Rate 76.4% 34.7% Points Per Game 2.47 1.39 Goals For / Game 2.17 1.60 Goals Against / Game 1.05 1.56

After the loss to Bournemouth at the weekend, most fans anticipated that Michael Carrick could be fired as head coach. However, United have decided to stick by Carrick, giving him the opportunity to turn the team’s form around.

There is a lot riding on this weekend’s game against Chelsea, and having Kobbie Mainoo back is a significant boost.

Carrick will have to choose his potential midfield partner, with Andrey Santos, Carlos Baleba and Youri Tielemans all competing for a role.

One player who is expected to start is Bruno Fernandes, after talks with Michael Carrick to repair the fallout that led to him being dropped against Bournemouth.

United also welcomed Lisandro Martinez back from injury as a late substitute at the weekend – but questions remain over Benjamin Sesko, Marcus Rashford, Patrick Dorgu and Luke Shaw.