Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage this afternoon looking to head into the international break on a high
Benjamin Sesko was not pictured in the travelling squad to face Fulham this weekend
Benjamin Sesko was not pictured in the travelling squad to face Fulham this weekend(Image: Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)
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Michael Carrick argued on Friday that it was ridiculous to presume that he was under pressure at Manchester United, despite back-to-back defeats. However, the Reds will be desperate to head into the international break with three points against a Fulham side yet to win in the Premier League this season.
Considering the performance against Brighton in midweek, there will be few players who expect to keep their place at Craven Cottage. Karl Darlow will be back on the bench after an unconvincing debut. He shall be replaced by Senne Lammens, who is comfortably first choice this season.
In front of him, only Diogo Dalot survives in defence. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven's partnership against Brighton was unconvincing. The duo need to be more consistent moving forward, especially if they are to become regular starters. For now, Carrick will revert to the tried and tested Harry Maguire-Lisandro Martinez combination.
Luke Shaw could be risked if his injury is as minor, as Carrick says. He will not be leaving on international duty so, with a three-week break ahead of him, Shaw should be able to start at Fulham, before recovering to face Tottenham in October.
Youri Tielemans had created a good partnership with Kobbie Mainoo, but his form has dipped recently. Andrey Santos was a bundle of energy in pre-season and United could do with that this weekend.
The Reds' best player in midweek was Shea Lacey. But it seems unlikely that he will start this one. Bryan Mbeumo is a favourite of Carrick's and is likely to start on the right, regardless of Lacey's performance.
With Shaw back, Marcus Rashford could benefit. They linked up well at Everton and United have missed that threat down the left.
Carrick has missed Benjamin Sesko in the attack. He is the strongest option to lead the line for United. However, after not being pictured travelling down to London on Saturday, Matheus Cunha should take his place.
United's predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Santos, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Cunha