Michael Carrick has steadied the ship at Old Trafford after what seems to be an eternity of wavey conditions and will be looking to get three wins-on-the-bounce as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford
Michael Carrick, interim head coach of Manchester United
Michael Carrick, interim head coach of Manchester United(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
View Image
Manchester United are just one victory away from equaling Ruben Amorim’s longest Premier League winning streak as they prepare to host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Michael Carrick’s rejuvenated side come into this fixture on a high, having edged out league leaders Arsenal 3-2 in a thrilling encounter last weekend, while Fulham strengthened their European credentials with a 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
Since taking over from Amorim, Carrick has made an immediate impact—whether as a temporary or permanent appointment—guiding United to consecutive statement wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. After a 2-0 derby triumph, United followed up with a dramatic five-goal contest at the Emirates, where Bryan Mbeumo, Patrick Dorgu, and a spectacular effort from Matheus Cunha handed Arsenal their first home defeat of the season in any competition.
Carrick’s impressive start has only enhanced his prospects for a long-term role, as he becomes the first manager since February 2010 to claim back-to-back victories over the Premier League’s top two teams. United now sit in pole position in the race for fourth, holding a one-point advantage over Chelsea and a two-point cushion over Liverpool ahead of gameweek 24. Their current six-match unbeaten run is the longest in the top flight.
United’s attacking reinforcements from the summer are proving their worth, with the team scoring in each of their last 11 league games and conceding just once in their last three matches at Old Trafford. Carrick has already overcome two of his toughest challenges since returning to the helm, but another test awaits as Marco Silva’s Fulham arrive with their own European ambitions.
Fulham’s season started inconsistently, with nine wins and nine losses between late August and mid-December, but they have since lost just once in their last eight matches across all competitions, winning five. Harry Wilson was the hero in their latest outing, netting a stoppage-time free kick to complete a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Brighton at Craven Cottage.
Sitting seventh in the table and only four points off the top four, Fulham’s improved away form has been crucial, earning 10 points from their last five Premier League away games after managing just one from their first six on the road this season. Silva’s men also held United to a 1-1 draw at Craven Cottage earlier this campaign and can take confidence from their last league win at Old Trafford in February 2024—though that remains their only top-flight victory at the Theatre of Dreams in their past 20 visits.
Man United vs Fulham Team News
Manchester United’s versatile defender-turned-attacker Patrick Dorgu experienced both elation and disappointment against Arsenal—after netting a stunning goal-of-the-season contender, the Dane was forced off with a serious hamstring injury that is expected to sideline him for around 10 weeks. Dorgu’s absence opens the door for either Matheus Cunha or Benjamin Sesko to step into the lineup, but Cunha is likely to get the nod—either operating out wide or partnering Bryan Mbeumo, who should feature on the left—following his dramatic match-winner in North London.
Aside from Dorgu, United have just two other fitness concerns: Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Joshua Zirkzee (unspecified), though neither is expected to break into the starting XI at this stage.
For Fulham, manager Marco Silva could have right-back Kenny Tete available again after a thigh injury, but Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic are set to remain sidelined with similar issues. The Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze have all returned to the squad following their Africa Cup of Nations duties, and Chukwueze will be pushing for a starting spot after coming off the bench to score Fulham’s equaliser against Brighton.
Chukwueze replacing Kevin could be one of two changes on Fulham’s left flank, as Antonee Robinson was substituted after just 59 minutes last weekend and may be replaced by Ryan Sessegnon in the starting lineup.
Man United vs Fulham Prediction
Football Betting Offers
If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site.
Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here.
Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only
Gamble responsibly
Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too.
We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org.