Luke Shaw in action for Man Utd
(Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Manchester United trio Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw, and Matthijs de Ligt have all travelled with the squad to London for Sunday’s clash against Fulham.
The Red Devils are coming off a miserable week following last Sunday’s derby defeat to 10-man Manchester City and Wednesday’s Carabao Cup elimination at the hands of Brighton, who completed a shocking comeback from 0-2 to 3-2.
While Michael Carrick insists he’s not feeling the pressure, he certainly wouldn’t want to face the backlash from another poor result, especially when facing a struggling side.
Luckily for the manager, he could receive a triple injury boost just in time.
Carlos Baleba earns first Man Utd call-up
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)
When Man Utd made the trip to West London on Saturday, 23 men were spotted, including Baleba, who has been selected for the first time.
The Cameroonian completed a long-overdue transfer to United last month despite suffering an injury during Brighton’s pre-season.
The £70 million signing was expected to make his return to action after the extended international break, but he’s seemingly ahead of schedule.
In his pre-match press conference on Friday, Carrick confirmed that Baleba and Shaw could both return to action, depending on their physical condition.
The Englishman’s return would lend a hand to the manager, who has been struggling to fill the left-back spot, with neither Patrick Dorgu nor Noussair Mazraoui looking convincing in the last two outings.
Matthijs de Ligt back after 10 months
Matthijs de Ligt in action for Man Utd
(Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)
While Shaw and Baleba’s call-ups were in the air, De Ligt’s inclusion was probably the most pleasant surprise, especially with the player out of action since November.
Carrick has four other options at centre-back (Maguire, Martinez, Yoro, and Heaven), but the backline has been leaking goals, so the Dutchman’s contributions could prove vital.
However, The Sun’s Man Utd correspondent Samuel Luckhurst believes that at least one of these three returning players will have to pass a late fitness test.
#mufc have taken an extra squad member to Fulham, which usually indicates a player faces a late fitness test, so someone else is on standby. Shaw, De Ligt and Baleba on delayed train (typical Avanti) to London.
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) September 19, 2026
The journalist notes that Carrick has called up an extra man (23 in total), which means a player will be left out.
It should also be noted that Benjamin Sesko was left in Manchester, as he continues to struggle for fitness after missing the entire pre-season. The Slovenian has been involved in United’s competitive fixtures, but he hasn’t looked physically sharp.
Man Utd squad for Fulham clash
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Mee.
Defenders: Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Dorgu, Mazraoui, Heaven, Martinez, Dalot.
Midfielders: Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount, Mainoo, Santos, Baleba.
Attackers: Lacey, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha.
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Related Items:Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt