Three reasons Kobbie Mainoo must start for Manchester United at Stamford Bridge

Kobbie Mainoo is back under consideration for Manchester United’s clash with Chelsea.

Michael Carrick has confirmed that Kobbie Mainoo has returned to training ahead of Manchester United’s showdown with Chelsea.

While Carrick could decide to play cautious and ease Mainoo back in from the bench, it would be far preferable to see the academy graduate back in as a starter.

Here are three reasons we want to see Mainoo get the nod…

Mainoo dominated at Stamford Bridge last season

Kobbie Mainoo was Manchester United’s best player in the 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge last season, dominating the midfield. He completed 93 per cent of his passes and made 12 defensive contributions.

Speaking after the game, Michael Carrick commented: “I thought that was the best Kobbie’s played, certainly since I’ve been back here.

Mainoo has been at his best in the big games under Carrick, impressing in wins against City, Liverpool, and Tottenham last season in addition to the victory at Stamford Bridge.

Unless he is really behind with his fitness, it is hard to believe that Carrick would choose to keep Mainoo on the bench.

United more effective with Mainoo

Manchester United are statistically a better team when Kobbie Mainoo starts under Michael Carrick.

United have won 76.4 per cent of games under Carrick with Mainoo starting, compared to only 34.7 per cent without.

There is little more that needs to be said about this statistic. Put Mainoo in the team, and your chance of winning is doubled. Simple.

Nobody else has taken their chance

Kobbie Mainoo has missed Manchester United’s past four games, against Atletico Madrid, Leeds, Como, and Bournemouth.

United have drawn one and lost three, and none of the midfielders have taken their chance in his absence.

Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba have struggled to dominate games and it is hard to have any faith in any of them at this stage.

Mainoo needs to be a starter, and the dilemma should be around who gets the nod alongside him; most likely it will be Baleba.