Manchester United Aim for Third Straight Win Under Carrick Against Fulham
Manchester United are targeting a third consecutive victory under interim manager Michael Carrick as they prepare to host Fulham in a Premier League fixture this afternoon. The Red Devils have enjoyed a remarkable resurgence, following up a derby triumph over Manchester City with a stunning away win against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
Injury Blow for United as Dorgu Faces Lengthy Absence
The victory over Arsenal came at a cost, however, with Patrick Dorgu forced off in the second half due to a hamstring injury. While the club is still conducting assessments, initial reports suggest the Denmark international has suffered a grade 2 hamstring tear, which could see him sidelined for an estimated eight to ten weeks. This is a significant setback for Carrick, as Dorgu had been excelling in a more advanced role on the left flank, becoming a key creative force in the new system.
Selection Dilemmas and Potential Changes
Dorgu's absence presents Carrick with his first major selection headache. Matheus Cunha, who scored against Arsenal and impressed off the bench in the Manchester City match, is the most likely candidate to step into the starting eleven. Although not a natural winger, his recent performances have been compelling.
The situation up front adds further complexity. Benjamin Sesko, who netted three goals in two appearances under previous caretaker Darren Fletcher, is yet to start under Carrick. Bryan Mbeumo has been thriving through the centre, meaning integrating Sesko would likely necessitate a tactical reshuffle, potentially dropping Amad to the substitutes' bench.
Given the success of the recent performances, the temptation for Carrick will be to maintain continuity where possible. The defence remains without Matthijs de Ligt, who continues to be absent from training with a back issue that has persisted since November. Noussair Mazraoui is now available following his participation in the Africa Cup of Nations and could provide an option at full-back if Carrick wishes to rest either Diogo Dalot or Luke Shaw.
Predicted Manchester United Starting Lineup
Were it not for Dorgu's unfortunate injury, Carrick might have been inclined to field an unchanged side. As it stands, the predicted lineup is expected to see Cunha deputise for the injured Dane, with other areas of the team likely remaining stable given the current positive momentum.
Match Information and How to Watch
The Premier League encounter between Fulham and Manchester United is scheduled for Sunday, 1st February, with a 2:00 PM kick-off. The match will be broadcast live in the UK on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event. Subscribers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or through NOW TV.
