Manchester United will take on Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday before the 2026-27 campaign pauses for its first international break.
Manager Michael Carrick has confirmed the team news ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage on Sunday.
Carrick was asked specifically about the potential returns of Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw.
He said in the pre-match press conference: “There is a chance on both really.
“Not totally 100 per cent yet. It is really short term [with Luke], to be honest, but we’re just working towards the game. So we’ll see how he is.”
Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo and Manuel Ugarte are still on the sidelines.
Patrick Dorgu missed the Carabao Cup squad in mid-week but is expected to be back in contention for the Fulham clash.
Baleba completed a £65 million move from Brighton & Hove Albion to Old Trafford this summer.
The midfielder suffered an ankle injury during pre-season at Brighton and is still waiting to make his first appearance in a United shirt.
Carrick has now dropped a major hint that Baleba could finally make his long-awaited debut against Fulham. Youri Tielemans and Kobbie Mainoo are expected to start in the heart of midfield.
Andrey Santos is an alternative but he failed to grab his chance when handed a start against the Seagulls in midweek.
Luke Shaw has missed the last three games but his return would be a major boost for the head coach.
With Shaw unavailable, Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have both featured at left-back, but neither has looked entirely comfortable in the role.
We expect Carrick will be reluctant to take any unnecessary risk with Shaw, especially with the international break approaching.
If the 31-year-old is not fully fit, he could instead be introduced from the bench in the second half.
United have taken just four points from their opening four Premier League matches and will be desperate to return to winning ways at Craven Cottage.
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