Michael Carrick looking on
(Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick may have offered a few clues on his starting lineup against Fulham in Friday’s press conference.
The Cottagers will host the Red Devils on Sunday (16:30 UK time), in what could be a crucial fixture for the visitors.
United are coming off back-to-back losses at Old Trafford, first to 10-man Manchester City, and then against Brighton in the Carabao Cup, where they wasted an early two-goal lead.
While Carrick dismissed ‘ridiculous’ rumours that claimed his post at the club is under scrutiny, the sensation around Carrington is that this will be a must-win match to avoid a grim international break.
Man United expected starting lineup vs Fulham
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: Luke Shaw of Manchester United passes the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND - AUGUST 12: Luke Shaw of Manchester United passes the ball during the pre-season friendly match between Leeds United and Manchester United at Croke Park on August 12, 2026 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Evan Treacy/Getty Images)
In his presser, Carrick issued updates on Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba, revealing that both men could recover for Sunday’s game, although neither is 100% fit.
“A chance for both of them. Not totally 100% on either,” said the 45-year-old via the Manchester Evening News.
“It is really short-term [with Shaw] but it is just working towards the game.”
Based on the manager’s comments, it doesn’t seem that either player will be thrust from the start. Therefore, Patrick Dorgu will likely get the nod at left-back despite his lacklustre derby performance, especially with Harry Amass seemingly out of the running.
Moreover, neither Noussair Mazraoui nor Diogo Dalot has covered himself in glory in his latest few outings, so Carrick is unlikely to field both in the same lineup. Nevertheless, they remain his only options at right-back, with the Portuguese considered the first choice.
Likewise, Ayden Heaven and Leny Yoro weren’t convincing in midweek, so Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez should retake their spots at the back.
Man Utd’s Midfield remains intact while waiting for Baleba
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: New signing Carlos Baleba of Manchester United is introduced before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on August 30, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - AUGUST 30: New signing Carlos Baleba of Manchester United is introduced before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Manchester United and Ipswich Town at Old Trafford on August 30, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Andrey Santos was another player who couldn’t seize the opportunity against Brighton, so he will most likely be relegated to the bench, allowing Kobbie Mainoo to rekindle his partnership with Youri Tielemans, who remains a first choice with Baleba not fit enough to start.
Man Utd captain Bruno Fernandes will resume his duties in the No.10 role, while Carrick could be encouraged to field Shea Lacey on the right wing, as the teenager was certainly the team’s best player on Wednesday.
Shea Lacey vs Brighton pic.twitter.com/1yvmqDTqAn
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With Lacey on the flank, Bryan Mbeumo could be fielded as a striker, dropping the so-far ineffective Benjamin Sesko to the bench.
Matheu Cunha and Marcus Rashford would vie for the left-winger role. The England international could be dropped after starting two games in four days.
Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Dorgu; Tielemans, Mainoo; Lacey, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
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