Confirmed United XI vs Chelsea: Sesko starts, Mainoo returns

Kobbie Mainoo has been passed fit and takes his place in the Manchester United starting XI to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this evening. Defence Senne Lammens is in goal. The back four comprises Diogo Dalot, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven and Luke Shaw. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are suspended, while Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro are injured. Patrick Dorgu is back in training but not yet ready to take part. Midfield and Attack Mainoo takes his place alongside Casemiro in central midfield. Ahead of them, Bruno Fernandes is in the number 10 role. Matheus Cunha is on the left wing, Bryan Mbeumo on the right and Ben Sesko retains his place up front. Substitutes Altay Bayindir is the substitute keeper. He is joined on the bench by Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount, Tyler Fletcher, Jim Thwaites, Manuel Ugarte, Amad, Joshua Zirkzee and Shea Lacey. Kick-off at Stamford Bridge is at 8.00pm. A win will put clear daylight between United and sixth place, with the top five set to qualify for the Champions League. 🔴🥊 In the red corner at Stamford Bridge… — Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 18, 2026 Featured image George Wood via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Latest Top Stories… Red Billy Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and two magazines and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy first saw United live in 1971, watching George Best, Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, before becoming a League Match ticket book holder from 1975/76 and a writer since 1995. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.