Man United travel to Fulham this afternoon looking to pick up only their second Premier League victory of the season
Michael Carrick needs a win this afternoon as Manchester United visit Fulham in the Premier League
Michael Carrick needs a win this afternoon as Manchester United visit Fulham in the Premier League(Image: Getty Images/Pick the Team)
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Manchester United look set to be boosted by the return of three players against Fulham this weekend. New signing Carlos Baleba is yet to make his debut after picking up an ankle injury during pre-season with Brighton, but he has travelled with the squad, as has luke Shaw.
Perhaps the biggest surprise in Saturday's travelling squad news was the return of Matthijs de Ligt, who was spotted at Stockport train station with the rest of his teammates.
Amad, Tom Heaton and Manuel Ugarte are all missing again for the Reds and will not be back now until October, at the earliest.
Benjamin Sesko was not pictured in the travelling squad and could miss the game. With this in mind, MEN Sport has asked our United writers who they feel should start at Craven Cottage.
Tyrone Marshall
Carrick needs to go back to basics to get a result here. That means going with Shaw at left-back if he is anywhere near ready to start, because the alternatives at left-back have really flopped.
I'd make a change in midfield as well. Youri Tielemans has started to struggle and the extra running power of Andrey Santos might be needed in a game where United have to turn up the physical edge.
It's unclear whether Sesko is definitely unavailable for today's game even though he wasn't spotted travelling to London with his teammates, but if we work on the assumption he is out then Bryan Mbeumo is the best option to lead the line. The only issue with that is who fills in on the right with Amad out, but Lacey showed in midweek he is ready to make an impact from the off and should be given a chance.
Tyrone's XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Santos, Mainoo; Lacey, Fernandes, Rashford; Mbeumo
Steven Railston United really need a win this afternoon to ease the pressure on Carrick. It’s a no-brainer to recall Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez, while Shaw should start if he is ready. I’d give Mason Mount a chance to retain his starting role at Craven Cottage because the team needs the intensity he can offer. Sesko would have started to give the team a focal point, but in his absence Cunha gets the nod. Mbeumo and Marcus Rashford should start. Steven's XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mount, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha
Jack Flintham The back five picks itself after the disastrous defeat to Brighton. Shaw has to start, particularly with the lack of alternatives for that position. Santos deserves a chance with Tielemans' form suffering. Baleba, even if fit, should not be rushed into the starting line-up. For me, Shea Lacey's performance against Brighton earns him another start. Mbeumo can lead the line in Sesko's absence, with Rashford on the left to link up with Shaw. Flintham's XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Santos, Mainoo; Lacey, Fernandes, Rashford; Mbeumo