Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Picking a Manchester United team to face Fulham is a real dilemma. I don’t envy Michael Carrick.
When Michael Carrick rotated the Manchester United team against Brighton, it was well-intentioned. There were players who needed minutes, and it may yet do them good later in the campaign.
What Carrick really wanted was for his players to give him a selection dilemma. Our player ratings from the contest highlights that none of the players really seized the chance.
Shea Lacey was the only one to come out with any credit – and yet I struggle to believe Michael Carrick will start him in a Premier League away game.
I do think there is a strong case that he should have earned his spot. But I also think we could do with Bryan Mbeumo’s experience.
Perhaps the answer is for Mbeumo to start up front? Benjamin Sesko was so disappointing against Brighton. But it’s worth remembering how he smashed in the winner against Fulham in the last game, back in January.
I have come up with a list of only six Manchester United players who I would absolutely state are ‘must-start’ for the weekend at Craven Cottage.
Senne Lammens
Harry Maguire
Lisandro Martinez
Kobbie Mainoo
Bruno Fernandes
These six players must be the core who Michael Carrick puts his trust in.
Senne Lammens is the easiest of all. He is the clear number one goalkeeper, it’s not even up for debate. Karl Darlow made sure of that in midweek.
Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are both also guaranteed picks by default after the below-par displays of Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven at centre-back.
Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are must-picks based on their contributions for the team in 2026. Both players are integral to Michael Carrick’s system, and United are stronger with them starting.
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Indifference everywhere else
I feel indifference with regard to the rest of the squad. The full-back situation really is depressing, with neither Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui playing well right now.
Luke Shaw might not even be fit, while Patrick Dorgu is still in my doghouse after his mistake in the derby.
As for the remaining midfielder, I guess Youri Tielemans is the answer but I’m not sure whether more balance is required away from home. It’s a shame Andrey Santos underwhelmed against Brighton. We really need Carlos Baleba back.
The front three I am indifferent on. The only player I really want to see here is Amad, and he won’t be fit until after the international break. I do know that I don’t want to see Joshua Zirkzee near the starting line-up.