Michael Carrick faces several major selection decisions as Manchester United prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.
United desperately need a response following consecutive defeats to Manchester City and Brighton, with their Carabao Cup collapse adding further pressure before the international break.
Carrick could receive fitness boosts from Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba, but Benjamin Šeško has emerged as a fresh doubt after he was not spotted travelling with the squad to London.
That could open the door for Matheus Cunha to start through the middle.
Šeško doubt changes Man Utd attack
Šeško’s potential absence creates Carrick’s biggest attacking decision.
The striker was not among the players seen travelling south with United on Saturday, despite featuring in every Premier League fixture so far this season.
That does not yet confirm he will miss the game.
However, if Šeško is unavailable, Cunha becomes the obvious candidate to lead the line.
The Brazilian has already been used centrally by Carrick and would allow Marcus Rashford to start from the left, with Bryan Mbeumo operating from the opposite flank.
United’s latest team-news update ahead of Fulham has already covered the main fitness questions facing Carrick.
The fresh uncertainty around Šeško now adds another layer.
Shaw could return at left-back
Carrick has confirmed Shaw has a chance of being involved.
The England international has been dealing with a short-term muscular issue but travelled with the squad to London.
Speaking before the game, Carrick said there was “a chance” Shaw could be available, although he stopped short of declaring him fully fit. The official Manchester United team-news update also confirms the decision will be made late.
If Shaw is cleared, he should return at left-back.
Diogo Dalot is likely to start on the opposite side, while Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martínez should be restored in central defence after Carrick rotated heavily against Brighton.
Matthijs de Ligt has also been seen with the travelling party, but given his lengthy absence, throwing him straight into the starting XI would represent a major risk.
Baleba likely to start on bench
Baleba is another player who could make the matchday squad.
The summer signing has yet to make his Manchester United debut because of an ankle problem carried over from Brighton.
Carrick confirmed he is getting closer, but Sunday’s game may arrive too soon for a start.
Reuters reported that Carrick planned to make late decisions on both Baleba and Shaw before the trip to Fulham.
That makes Kobbie Mainoo and Youri Tielemans the more likely midfield pairing.
Bruno Fernandes should return to the No.10 role after being rested from the starting XI in midweek.
Predicted Man Utd XI vs Fulham
GK: Senne Lammens
Carrick is expected to restore his first-choice goalkeeper after the midweek cup rotation.
RB: Diogo Dalot
Offers the balance Carrick normally wants on the right and should return after Wednesday’s changes.
CB: Harry Maguire
United need greater defensive authority after conceding three to Brighton.
CB: Lisandro Martínez
Should return alongside Maguire as Carrick rebuilds his preferred defensive structure.
LB: Luke Shaw
Included on the assumption he passes his late fitness test.
If Shaw is not ready, Patrick Dorgu is the obvious replacement.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
Partially rested against Brighton and should return in the Premier League.
CM: Youri Tielemans
Carrick needs greater control in possession after United’s chaotic midweek performance.
Baleba is more likely to be introduced from the bench if cleared.
RW: Bryan Mbeumo
One of United’s most dangerous attacking options and should retain his place.
CAM: Bruno Fernandes
The captain returns to the starting XI and will again carry much of United’s creative responsibility.
LW: Marcus Rashford
Restored to the left if Cunha moves centrally.
ST: Matheus Cunha
Our biggest call.
With Šeško now a doubt, Cunha could be asked to lead the line and give Carrick greater mobility against Fulham’s centre-backs.
Predicted XI
Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha.
United supporters can find the full viewing details in our Fulham vs Manchester United TV channel and live stream guide.
Carrick has several decisions to make, but the most important may now be up front.
If Šeško does miss out, Cunha has an immediate opportunity to make the central role his own.
Fulham vs Man Utd TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
Fulham vs Man Utd TV channel, live stream and kick-off time
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