‘He might be struggling’: Joe Cole makes concerning Man Utd injury admission in second half vs Chelsea

Michael Carrick has opted to replace Carlos Baleba with Kobbie Mainoo early in the second half vs Chelsea, rather than having the pair play together.

Reacting to the summer signing’s premature withdrawal, Joe Cole said on TNT Sports’ commentary: “We don’t know his injury situation; he might be struggling.”

Manchester United fans would certainly prefer to see Baleba and Mainoo partnered alongside one another, hence Cole pondering whether there may be something amiss with the Cameroonian.

United are now 2-0 down at Stamford Bridge and a player down, with Lisandro Martinez shown two quickfire yellow cards.

He tussled with goalscorer Morgan Rogers on the edge of the area to receive his first booking, before lunging in to Wesley Fofana arm/elbow first to be sent his marching orders just 84 seconds later.

The challenge resulted in Chelsea being awarded a spot-kick, which was converted by Cole Palmer despite Senne Lammens getting a hand on it.

Alas, United are now on course to sustain a third successive defeat across all competitions.

They sit 16th as things stand, but could drop into the relegation zone depending on how other sides fare for the rest of matchweek nine.

INEOS put their faith in Michael Carrick in the aftermath of last weekend’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, though it remains to be seen if he will retain such support at the end of today’s contest.

From his perspective, United should’ve led in the first half after having numerous clear-cut chances, and Martinez has made matters significantly worse with his reckless behaviour when the Reds were already under mounting pressure from Chelsea.