Manchester United face a must-win against Fulham on Sunday, and Michael Carrick has been dealt some mixed news over his squad
Carlos Baleba could make his first Manchester United squad.
Carlos Baleba could make his first Manchester United squad.(Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)
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Manchester United trio Carlos Baleba, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw have all travelled for Sunday's clash against Fulham. However, striker Benjamin Sesko adds fresh injury concern after not being seen among his teammates for the trip to the capital.
The inclusion of De Ligt and summer signing Baleba marks a positive for Michael Carrick's side. De Ligt missed the second half of last season with a back injury, not featuring for the Red Devils since November's 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Baleba has been forced to watch on from the stands after completing his dream move from Brighton & Hove Albion. The 22-year-old suffered ankle ligament damage during the Seagulls' pre-season preparations but still made the Old Trafford switch and could be in line for his first minutes as Carrick's side chase a much-needed win.
Shaw was forced to miss last Sunday's Manchester derby with an issue but has passed the relevant tests during this week's preparations to make the squad for the trip to Craven Cottage.
The United boss has been seen to deploy a striker-less formation in recent weeks and he could be forced to do so again with Sesko's absence. The Slovenian featured during the midweek defeat against Brighton but is a doubt to be part of the squad in west London, the MEN reported.
Pressure is building on Carrick after just one league win so far this season and a damaging comeback defeat at the hands of the Seagulls in midweek.
United failed to capitalise on their man advantage against Manchester City after Phil Foden's red card. Bryan Mbeumo saw a gilt-edged chance go begging late on when Gianluigi Donnarumma stopped superbly to preserve the three points.
Carrick dismissed fears of his job in the build-up to Sunday's match, he said: "I know the club, I know the role, I know what's expected here in terms of playing to a certain standard and achieving certain things on the pitch. I get all that.
Michael Carrick applauds the fans after the Carabao Cup Third Round match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion.
Michael Carrick has been warned about his Man United job. (Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
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"In terms of future and ownership and how long I've got in the job, that's totally not in my thinking. It's ridiculous to think that way in the position I'm in, that's just not on the radar.
"It's two or three games. It's two or three games too many because I really hate losing, but that doesn't mean the world caves in. In some minds it does, it can't for us."
"It's not a catastrophe or a disaster. It's not the end of the world."