The latest Manchester United team news, injury update and predicted XI ahead of their Premier League clash with Fulham
Manchester United will have to dust themselves down and go again this weekend, after suffering a harrowing 3-2 home defeat in midweek to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Red Devils raced into an early two-goal lead in their Carabao Cup encounter, only for the visiting Seagulls to launch a stunning comeback and snatch their place in the fourth round.
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Next up, the Red Devils travel to take on Fulham at Craven Cottage in a Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon. Last time out, the Cottagers defeated Championship side West Ham in the Carabao Cup and also secured an impressive goalless draw away to Liverpool last weekend, which suggests they could prove a potentially tricky opponent for Michael Carrick’s side.
Heading into the match at Craven Cottage - a ground where United have won eight times in their last ten meetings and not lost since 2009 - the Red Devils have a few injury concerns. Luke Shaw has missed their last three outings with a thigh injury, while Carlos Baleba and Matthjis De Ligt won’t be back until after the international break. It could also be the same case for Amad Dialo, although the winger could potentially be named on the bench.
As United continue their preparations for Sunday afternoon and look to storm their way up the Premier League table, we’ve taken a crack at naming the most likely starting line-up Carrick will field against Fulham.
Will Luke Shaw start for Man Utd?
Luke Shaw is an injury doubt heading into Man United's clash against Fulhamplaceholder image
Luke Shaw is an injury doubt heading into Man United's clash against Fulham | Getty Images
Summer signing Karl Darlow came in to start between the sticks in midweek, but he’ll be handing the gloves straight back to number one Senne Lammens for the trip to Craven Cottage. Despite a dire showing against Brighton, Diogo Dalot is expected to continue at right-back with Noussair Mazraoui unlikely to switch flanks and take his spot.
At left-back, it looks like Shaw could well be fit enough to start against Fulham. It’s believed that he’s overcome his thigh injury and should be able to play a decent chunk of the match. There has been plenty of concern from fans regarding United’s failure to sign a new left-back over the summer, with little in the way of backup for 31-year-old Shaw.
In the heart of defence, Harry Maguire - who once again missed out on a place in England’s most recent squad - will start, most likely alongside Argentina star Lisandro Martinez. Both players were rested against Brighton, with Leny Yoro and rising talent Ayden Heaven the chosen central defensive duo.
Man United predicted XI vs Fulham: midfield and attack
Bruno Fernandes will be looking to replicate the stunning assists tally he racked up last seasonplaceholder image
Bruno Fernandes will be looking to replicate the stunning assists tally he racked up last season | Getty Images
Man United went big on midfielders in the summer transfer window - in fact, it’s the only area of their team where they actually spent some money strengthening. With Baleba injured, Kobbie Mainoo looks set to come in for Andrey Santos, and should be partnered by Youri Tielemans, who joined on a £35m move from Aston Villa during the summer transfer window.
Bryan Mbeumo, who’s scored against both Ipswich Town and Everton this season, will take his spot in an advanced position on the right flank. Over on the left, Matheus Cunha will look to offer a similar attacking threat. Star man Bruno Fernandes will play between the pair, and will likely be relishing the chance to take apart Fulham’s often shaky back line.
With Joshua Zirkzee offering little in the way of quality to be a reliable backup for Benjamin Sesko, the latter is expected to lead the line again against Fulham. The Slovenia international, who will face off against Scotland in the upcoming international break, netted in back-to-back games against Everton and Azerbaijani side Sabah earlier this month.
Man United predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Martinez, Maguire, Shaw; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.