Manchester United's Squad Boost Ahead of Fulham Clash
Manchester United travel to Fulham without Benjamin Sesko, but Michael Carrick’s squad has not arrived in London empty-handed.
The United boss has been handed a timely triple boost, with Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt all on the train south and in contention for Sunday’s game at Craven Cottage.
Sesko missing as United head to capital
United departed from Stockport Station on Saturday afternoon, the squad boarding the train knowing they badly need a response after a bruising week. The Manchester derby defeat was followed by a Carabao Cup third-round exit to Brighton, and the pressure for three points at Fulham is obvious.
One name was missing from the travelling group. Sesko did not make the journey, casting serious doubt over his involvement against Fulham. For a side short on confidence in front of goal, it is a blow.
Carrick, though, has already shown he is comfortable rolling without a recognised centre-forward, using a striker-less system at times this season. If Sesko is out, he has tactical precedent – and cover – to adjust.
Triple boost for Carrick
The mood around the squad is not entirely gloomy. De Ligt, Shaw and Baleba all travelled and are in the frame to feature.
Asked on Friday whether Shaw and Baleba would be ready for the weekend, Carrick struck a cautiously upbeat tone.
“There’s kind of a chance with both of them. Don’t know totally 100 per cent yet,” he said. “It’s short-term [with Shaw], we’re just working toward the game.”
The United manager outlined a group that is finally beginning to look more complete.
“We’re looking good. Everyone’s up and running. Over the last week or so, pretty much everyone has played and been fit and we’re trying to get Carlos back in.
“Well, I say back in, actually introducing him into the group. So he’s done a bit of training this week and, hopefully, we’ll get Luke back in and around it this week and look forward to a strong game on the weekend.”
For a squad that has felt stretched in key areas, the sight of Shaw and De Ligt back in the defensive unit and Baleba edging closer to full involvement is significant.
Baleba “bouncing around the place”
Baleba, in particular, has clearly made an impression behind the scenes.
“Yeah, he’s desperate to get started. He’s bouncing around the place,” Carrick said. “It’s not always easy, I think, when you come into a new club and you’re not right fully in with the group, with the training.
“But he’s dealt with that ever so well, I have to say. He’s got great personality and he’s full of enthusiasm around the place and pushing to get back as quickly as possible. So it’s great to have him back.”
If he is involved at Craven Cottage, it will be the first real glimpse of how he fits into a midfield that already includes Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo and others competing for minutes.
Who made the trip?
United’s travelling squad for Fulham underlines the options at Carrick’s disposal, even without Sesko.
- Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Mee.
- Defenders: Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Dorgu, Mazraoui, Heaven, Martinez, Dalot.
- Midfielders: Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount, Mainoo, Santos, Baleba.
- Attackers: Lacey, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha.
With that group, Carrick can go with a more traditional front line through Joshua Zirkzee or Matheus Cunha, or lean again on a fluid, striker-free shape led by Fernandes and Marcus Rashford.
United arrive in London wounded, under scrutiny, but with reinforcements stepping off the train. The question now is whether that fresh energy is enough to turn a faltering week into a statement at Craven Cottage.
