Michael Carrick faces a pivotal Premier League test as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford; Patrick Dorgu’s injury likely hands Matheus Cunha a start and could reshuffle the front three. Betting angle: favour a Manchester United win at home and consider under 3.5 goals given Fulham’s tendency to sit deep and limit chances.
Manchester United v Fulham preview: Carrick’s first major test at Old Trafford
Manchester United return to Premier League action against Fulham needing a win to remain in the top four. Interim head coach Michael Carrick has produced two hard-to-beat displays so far, but Sunday’s opponent presents a different challenge: Fulham are comfortable both sitting deep and keeping long spells of possession, forcing Carrick to adapt his tactics.
Left flank dilemma after Dorgu injury
Patrick Dorgu’s injury leaves a hole on United’s left. Matheus Cunha is the obvious candidate to step in; he loves cutting inside and excels at receiving passes between the lines.
How Carrick deploys Cunha will be crucial — as a left forward or shifted centrally — and could determine whether Amad Diallo finds regular minutes in the starting XI.
Who leads the line?
Fulham’s recent use of Bryan Mbeumo as a center-forward complicates selection.
Carrick might opt for Benjamin Sesko or Matheus Cunha up front, which would push Mbeumo out wide and potentially leave Amad Diallo on the bench. If Amad can settle on the left, United could regularly field their four strongest attacking options.
Out-of-possession strategy and season implications
United were difficult to break down in Carrick’s opening matches, but Sunday may require a higher defensive line. How United manage that balance — pressing more aggressively while maintaining defensive solidity — will reveal Carrick’s longer-term approach.
The result and performance will be scrutinised for signs of how he intends to steer the remainder of the campaign.
Manchester United are back in Premier League action on Sunday against Fulham at Old Trafford.
It’s being billed as a new test for interim boss Michael Carrick as he prepares for an opponent that will likely hold much less of the ball than the previous two, and will need a win to stay in the [...]
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