Friday Fulham Stuff - 18/09/26...

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Michael Carrick has easy striker decision for Fulham game after Benjamin Sesko's struggles vs Brighton
Manchester United exited the Carabao Cup in the third round following a 3-2 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford yesterday.

The Red Devils raced into a comfortable 2-0 lead in just the 10th minute. Shea Lacey scored a brilliant debut goal before Mason Mount doubled the advantage.

However, United still didn't progress to the fourth round after some lacklustre defending.

Brighton secured a well-deserved 3-2 comeback victory in the end. Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven had performances to forget in the heart of the defence.

Alongside the duo, there were several underperformers, including Benjamin Sesko, who struggled to capitalise on a rare starting opportunity this campaign.

Matheus Cunha had an uneventful Manchester derby as a number nine for United, which contributed to Carrick opting for Sesko to lead the line against Brighton.

However, the Slovenian struggled to impose himself upfront. He completed just eight passes and lost possession on 13 occasions before his 66th-minute substitution.

The talented striker was slow in his decision-making at different stages of the game, and there was one counter-attack where he almost stood still with possession of the ball.

Sesko ended the game with just 23 touches, winning only 50 percent of his aerial duels (3/6). One of those aerial challenges lost partly contributed to Brighton's equaliser from Pascal Gross.

In our view, the former RB Leipzig man has left Carrick with an easy striker decision to make when the Red Devils travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday.

Sesko has been more effective coming off the bench since Carrick took charge in January, and we could see something similar when the Red Devils take on the Cottagers this weekend.

Cunha will most likely retain the striker's position. The other option would be to play Bryan Mbeumo upfront with Cunha on the left wing and Marcus Rashford on the right.

The game appears a must-win for Carrick after two straight losses. United are eight points behind league leaders Arsenal, and failing to beat Fulham could see Carrick sacked.

Stats from Sofascore.com



https://manutdnews.com/michael-carrick-has-easy-striker-decision-for-fulham-game-after-benjamin-seskos-struggles-vs-brighton/

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Man United injury, suspension list and return dates vs. Fulham: Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Matthijs de Ligt latest
Manchester United will be aiming to return to winning ways when they take on Fulham in Sunday afternoon's Premier League clash.

The Red Devils suffered a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in the Manchester derby last weekend, before losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion in the EFL Cup on Wednesday night.

Here, Sports Mole rounds up all of Man United's injury and suspension issues ahead of the game with Fulham, who sit 18th in the Premier League table.

Matthijs de Ligt
Status: Out

Type of injury: Back

Possible return date: Unknown

De Ligt has not played since the end of 2025 due to a long-term back injury, which has since required an operation, but the centre-back is now back in training and very much on course to be available for selection in the coming weeks.

Amad Diallo
Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: October 10 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Amad is yet to play this season due to an ankle injury, and it remains to be seen when the attacker will be available for selection once again; a return against Tottenham Hotspur on October 10 is possible.

Manuel Ugarte
Status: Out

Type of injury: Knee

Possible return date: Unknown

Ugarte suffered a serious knee injury while representing Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, and the midfielder is out for a significant period of time.

Tom Heaton
Status: Out

Type of injury: Hamstring

Possible return date: Unknown

Heaton suffered a hamstring injury during Man United's pre-season, and it is currently unclear when the experienced goalkeeper will be available for selection again.

Carlos Baleba
Status: Out

Type of injury: Ankle

Possible return date: October 10 (vs. Tottenham Hotspur)

Baleba is not currently available to make his debut due to an ankle issue, but he is in line to return to action after the upcoming international break.

Luke Shaw
Status: Minor doubt

Type of injury: Fitness

Possible return date: September 20 (vs. Fulham)

Shaw has missed Man United's last three matches due to a fitness issue, but there is a strong chance that the left-back will be back against Fulham.

MAN UNITED'S SUSPENSION LIST
Man United have no players banned for this match.



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/injury-news/injuries-and-suspensions/baleba-shaw-amad-de-ligt-latest-man-united-injury-suspension-list-vs-fulham_605277.html

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What does the future look like for Emile Smith Rowe?
We look at the curious case of our Arsenal academy grad.

There's been a lot of talk over the last year or so about the performances of some of our bigger-name signings, and Emile Smith Rowe has beenat the forefront of them.

I don't want this piece to come across as a pile on, but I'm sure he like Fulham fans will agree that since joining in 2024 for a fee that could rise to £34m it hasn't quite gone to plan for ESR. Patience can only get everyone, so what does the future look like for the man who was briefly our record signing?

In his defence
Smith Rowe joined Fulham following a couple of years to forget at Arsenal. The now 26-year-old first emerged in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign, but really made a name for himself in 21-22. It coincided with Arsenal's slow metamorphosis from a laughing stock into a Premier League-winning side.

During that season both him and Bukayo Saka were mentioned in the same breath, with ESR picking up 11 goals and two assists across the Premier League and Carabao Cup. But a few years of unfortunate injuries followed, and while Arsenal continued to improve, ESR began to stagnate. Limited game time both due to injury and the signing of Martin Odegaard meant that Smith Rowe failed to score in both 22-23 and 23-24, which meant he was out the door.

Emile joined Fulham under Marco Silva as one of many 'Premier League outcasts' with point to prove. It did start that way, with three goal involvements in Fulham's first five that season. A darting run away at Everton resulted in an assist for Alex Iwobi, which perfectly illustrated how everyone wanted (and still wants) Smith Rowe to deliver. He ended the year with six goals and three assists - a very respectable return.

There's evidently a player in there and even last season we saw some of the glimpses of it, with goals against Manchester United, Manchester City and Burnley. Smith Rowe also still time on his hands having just turned 26, so he's hardly a write-off yet. I do like parts of what I see from him and there are litle flashes that show why at one point some Arsenal fans thought he was the answer to their problems, more so than Saka.

Stagnation
That being said, I mentioned stagnation in his days at Arsenal (albeit due to injury) and it does feel a bit like we're starting to see this now at Fulham. ESR's a player who's often criticised for his workrate more than his goal output. West Ham on Tuesday night felt like a perfect summary of this. It was a decent opportunity for him to put himself into contention for the number 10 slot against a weakened Championship side, but like we've seen before with ESR he flattered to deceive.

When joining Fulham, he spoke about a desire to get back into that England team and I think we all thought that this signing had the making of being another Silva special; finding a diamond in the rough and carving out a good Premier League footballer. In many ways, I think we've done that. Smith Rowe is steady without being exciting and barring that one breakout year for Arsenal, his output numbers have been relatively consistent across his career. But steady isn't enough.

I think Smith Rowe is a player who's hampered by two things that ultimately will put pressure on him. Firstly, he was the first of a few big-money signings that Fulham have had over the last few years. Alongside, Berge, Andersen, Bobb, Kevin and Garcia. ESR cost a pretty penny and at a club like Fulham, you want results.

Secondly, the emergence of Josh King has restricted him (as we are seeing this season) to get a good number of regular minutes in the first team and as a result is stifling that progression. This isn't me saying I want him to start over Josh King because King is showing to Smith Rowe a blueprint of how to be a successful number 10.

I don't want this to come across as me deflecting responsibility away from Smith Rowe because ultimately the buck stops with him. Arbeloa clearly adores King for both his ability in the final third but also that workrate and desire to get the ball back when other teams are in transition – two things that Smith Rowe is failing to do for Fulham.

Where do we go from here?
I don't think that Smith Rowe's career at Fulham is over yet. I've highlighted in this article the good that he has provided for both Arsenal and Fulham in the past. But I do think that with King continuing to develop at pace, Smith Rowe's stock will continue to drop.

I wonder if come January/next summer we look to cash in. We spent a hefty chunk of change on ESR and in a footballing world that is heavily dictated by the books, we could look to get back as much of that as we can while we can.

Especially when you consider some of the assets we also spent big on (Berge/Andersen) are starting to reach an age where you can't get that type of outlay back. Smith Rowe still has time on his side and has shown enough to other Premier League clubs (particularly those that come up from the Championship) to take a gamble. Ultimately, we want the boy to succeed, and if it can't be here, then maybe it has to be elsewhere.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/what-does-the-future-look-like-for

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Gary Neville makes confident prediction for Man Utd must-win game against Fulham
Gary Neville believes Manchester United are fortunate to be facing one ofthe few Premier League teams in a greater state of disarray than his old side this weekend.

United's abysmal start to the new season took a further turn for the worse last night when they let an early two-goal lead slip against Brighton at Old Trafford and crashed to another ignominious early Carabao Cup exit.

After restoring a sense of optimism during his interim spell, which culminated in Champions League qualification, Michael Carrick's future is firmly in the spotlight just three months on from signing a two-year contract.

Defeat in last weekend's Manchester derby against 10-man City has left Carrick's side a distant eight points adrift of the top of the table with just four games played and another setback at Craven Cottage would leave them reeling heading into the international break.

Neville, however, is confident that Fulham represent the perfect opposition given their own early season teething problems.

New manager Alvaro Arbeola has made a less than auspicious star to the task of succeeding Marco Silva and his new team are currently in the relegation zone, despite earning a creditable point following a goalless draw at Anfield last weekend.

Despite that encouraging performance and a Carabao Cup win over West Ham, Neville fears the writing is on the wall for the Cottagers this season.

'United will win this,' a confident Neville stated on The Overlap. 'I think United win Sunday.

'To be fair having watched Fulham a couple of times I think they're really going to struggle. I don't know how they actually... just everything about them.

'To be fair you're probably clipping this up on Sunday night, but everything about Fulham for me now looks like they could be in real trouble. I think 2-1.'

Regardless of Fulham's current form, United will need a much improved performance in light of another capitulation that Carrick termed unacceptable.

An evening that began with teenager Shea Lacey marking his first senior start with a dream goal and Mason Mount adding a second in the 10th minute ended in furious fans unloading at full -time.

Brighton became the first side since 1976 to overturn a two-goal deficit and win at Old Trafford as Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper secured a thoroughly deserved 3-2 third round comeback victory.

'I mean, a couple of smallish things end up accumulating into... let's be honest, you know, it feels bigger,' the United boss said. 'I understand why you're asking the question (about bouncing back).

'I think if you go to the Everton last-minute goal, to the (Manchester) City goal, it creates a bit of a feeling. Then the game today, we fully accept it. I totally take responsibility.

'We can't put ourselves in that position after being ahead in the game and the game finishing like it did. It's kind of a couple of things have gone, and then all of a sudden it becomes a greater thing from nowhere, really, so we've got to react to it.

'We've got another game on Sunday (against Fulham). We've got to react to it. I think that's the crucial thing now.

'It's happened so quickly. To have the feeling that happened quickly tonight in the game, it's happened over a period of a couple of weeks – maybe two, three weeks – where there's a lot of frustration and disappointment around and we need to flip that and start winning games again.'



https://metro.co.uk/2026/09/17/gary-neville-makes-confident-prediction-man-utd-must-win-game-vs-fulham-29627063/?ito=newsnow-feed

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"Entirely my decision" – Manager tries to calm controversy over prolonged exclusion of Fulham player
Sweden manager Graham Potter has moved to calm any developing controversy over the prolonged absence of Fulham's Hugo Larsson from the squad.

The Sweden manager this week announced his squad for the extended international break.

The squad announcement raises eyebrows in some quarters due to two names who weren't on the list – Williot Swedberg and Hugo Larsson. The former has been impressing at Celta Vigo while Larsson is now at Fulham, after previously being a regular at Eintracht Frankfurt.

Continued absence
Despite this, neither player travelled with Sweden to the World Cup and, now they're missing from the squad again. That's led to some questions being asked, but Potter wants to play that down early.

"In Hugo's case, it's a matter of me sticking with the same midfielders," he said about the Fulham man.

"Hugo has made a big move and hasn't played that much football. It's important for him to adapt to a new league and a new club."

The absence of both players now, and in the past, has led to criticism though. But Potter insists that there are "logical explanations" for both "even if people don't agree".

"There's nothing negative about them; we've simply chosen other players. That's part of football. I'm sure they're disappointed. It is entirely my decision."

Challenge set
It seems, then, that Larsson has some work to do. At this point, Potter appears to have little interest in any criticism that's coming his way.

Instead, this feels like a bit of a gauntlet being laid down for Larsson. Get in Fulham's team, make an impression and make it impossible for me to leave you out.

Whether he can do that, remains to be seen. For now, he'll have to watch the international break from home like the rest of us.

The Sweden squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers
Viktor Johansson (Stoke City), Noel Törnqvist (Monza), Melker Ellborg (Sunderland)

Defenders
Hjalmar Ekdal (Burnley), Gustaf Lagerbielke (Braga), Hampus Skoglund (Hammarby), Victor Nilsson Lindelöf (Aston Villa, captain), Daniel Svensson (Borussia Dortmund), Carl Starfelt (Celta Vigo), Gabriel Gudmundsson (Leeds United), Elliot Stroud (Hull City), Emil Holm (Bologna)

Midfielders / Forwards
Taha Ali (PAOK), Yasin Ayari (Brighton), Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham), Alexander Bernhardsson (Wolfsburg), Viktor Gyökeres (Arsenal), Alexander Isak (Liverpool), Jesper Karlström (Udinese), Sebastian Nanasi (Strasbourg), Gustaf Nilsson (Hertha Berlin), Benjamin Nygren (Celtic), Mattias Svanberg (Wolfsburg), Patrik Wålemark (Lech Poznań), Besfort Zeneli (Union Saint-Gilloise)



https://sportwitness.co.uk/entirely-my-decision-manager-tries-to-calm-controversy-over-prolonged-exclusion-of-fulham-player/

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Swindon Town Women lose 2-1 to Fulham after comeback
Swindon Town Women surrendered a one-goal lead as Fulham struck twice after half-time to complete a 2-1 comeback victory.

 The match took place on Sunday, September 13.

Sky Bedwell tested Fulham from distance in the sixth minute, before Mia Smith produced a fine save at the other end seven minutes later.

 Swindon took the lead in the 18th minute when Bedwell guided home after Tori St Clair delivered a cross from the right.

The Reds nearly extended their advantage before the interval, but Elise Clayton's effort in the 43rd minute was saved by Jessica Grey.

Fulham began the second half strongly, forcing Smith into several saves as Swindon defended their narrow lead.

However, Fulham won a penalty in the 62nd minute after Rianna Deam went down inside the area.

 Smith was booked, but Deam's spot-kick went wide, preserving Swindon's advantage.

The equaliser arrived soon afterwards when a poor clearance fell to Deam, who finished from close range.

Fulham completed the turnaround shortly afterwards, with Deam flicking home amid a scramble following a corner.

Swindon pushed for an equaliser late, and Bedwell threatened in the closing stages, but Grey gathered her attempts.

Despite fighting until the final whistle, the Reds could not find a second goal, allowing Fulham to claim all three points.

Smith's saves and Diaz-Butcher's defensive work kept Swindon ahead for long periods, while St Clair also contributed at both ends.

Fulham's second-half pressure eventually exposed Swindon, who were unable to recover after conceding twice in quick succession.



https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/26559427.swindon-town-women-lose-2-1-fulham-comeback/

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Why hasn't 'super talent' Emile Smith Rowe 'kicked on'? Ex-Arsenal star restricted to substitute role at Fulham when he should be approaching his peak
Emile Smith Rowe was highly regarded at Arsenal and expected to become a Premier League star after linking up with Fulham so why, at 26 years of age, has he not "kicked on"? Ex-Cottagers midfielder Danny Murphy has attempted to answer that question for GOAL, with a "super talent" finding himself restricted to a substitute role in west London.

Smith Rowe joined Fulham in £34m transfer
A product of the fabled Hale End academy system, Smith Rowe - following a couple of loan spells - made 115 appearances for the Gunners after completing his senior breakthrough. He earned two caps for England in 2021, and another the following year.

Fierce competition for places at Arsenal was always going to make his difficult for a starting berth to be nailed down, meaning that alternative options could never be written off. Fulham came calling in the summer of 2024 and completed a then club-record transfer of £34 million ($46m).

Wonderkid King filling Fulham's No.10 berth
Smith Rowe started brightly enough with the Cottagers and is closing in on 90 outings for the club across all competitions, but he registered just three top-flight goals last season and has found himself slipping down the pecking order at times.

Teenage wonderkid Josh King is ahead of him at present, with there only so many creative talents that can be fit into any one team, and that has led to all of his Premier League minutes in 2026-27 coming from off the bench.

Was more expected of Smith Rowe?
Would it be fair to say that Smith Rowe has not fulfilled the potential that he showed at Arsenal? When that question was put to Murphy, the former Fulham star - who was speaking in association with Snabbare - told GOAL: "I think that's really fair, because what you're looking at is a super talent who's an intelligent footballer.

"And the thing that surprises me - I watch a lot of them, I had the games live last year as well - every time I've watched him play, he actually impacts the game. He makes chances and does really good things.

"I understand that people say he's a 10, if you like, and Josh King is this young superstar who's a super talent. But Josh King wasn't always playing himself last year when Emile Smith Rowe wasn't playing. And there's something that managers aren't seeing or aren't liking.

"I don't know whether it's application in training, ability to last the games in terms of physicality and endurance. I'm really surprised because every time I see him, he impacts the game.

"I feel for him a little bit because it doesn't look to me like he's lacking energy or fitness. It doesn't seem from what I'm hearing that he's a bad lad or causing a problem or trains badly. It's very hard to judge when you don't see for yourself. But I think he does have the quality to get in the team. I think he'd give them something.

"And as I say, very rarely when I watch Emile Smith-Rowe play does he not impact the game and create chances.

"But on the flip side to that, what you could argue at the start of this season is that for Fulham's poor start, they have actually attacked quite well and created a lot of chances in the games they played. I know they drew 0-0 at Liverpool, but they still looked a threat going forward.

"So maybe he [Alvaro Arbeloa] doesn't see him as a wide man and he only sees him competing with Josh King as a 10. But I'd like to see a lot more of him because I think he's got a lot to offer. And I'm as surprised as a lot of people that he hasn't kicked on because I think he's a super talent."

Contract until 2029 gives Smith Rowe time
Smith Rowe has started both of Fulham's Carabao Cup fixtures this season - scoring in a 3-0 victory over AFC Wimbledon and helping them to a battling 3-2 third-round win at capital rivals West Ham.

It remains to be seen what the rest of the season has in store, with King, Alex Iwobi and Oscar Bobb being asked to fill attacking berths behind a central striker. Time is still on his side and he remains under contract until the summer of 2029.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/why-super-talent-emile-smith-rowe-kicked-on-arsenal-substitute-fulham/blt1825c4ebd2745784?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Michael Carrick confident of Man Utd resurgence ahead of crucial Fulham clash despite historic Carabao Cup collapse
Michael Carrick insists that Manchester United can salvage their season despite a devastating Carabao Cup exit that saw the Red Devils surrender a two-goal lead at home. The Old Trafford faithful made their feelings clear at the final whistle, greeting the manager and his players with a deafening chorus of boos after Brighton staged a remarkable second-half comeback.

A night of historic failure at Old Trafford
Despite a lightning-fast start that saw teenager Shea Lacey score on his full debut followed by a Mason Mount strike, United managed to surrender a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton. It was the first time since 1976 that a Red Devils side had thrown away a two-goal advantage to lose at the Theatre of Dreams, and the fans let their feelings be known.

A visibly shellshocked Carrick struggled to explain the drop in performance during his post-match media duties. "The way we started the game, 20-25 minutes into the game in such a good position, playing well, doing all the things that we wanted to do and then it feels like it's a long time ago. The feeling at the start of the game to the feeling at the end of the game couldn't have been further apart," the United boss admitted.

Carrick maintains belief amidst mounting pressure
Despite the toxic atmosphere and the fact that he has become one of the favourites with bookmakers to be the next Premier League manager sacked, Carrick remains steadfast in his belief that he can rectify the situation. Having taken over a struggling side in January and steered them to an impressive third-place finish last term, he believes the core quality of the squad remains intact.

Addressing the scrutiny regarding his job security, Carrick remained defiant about the potential for a swift turnaround. "Of course we can turn it around," he stated firmly. "We've got some really good players and it feels bad at the moment because we haven't had a great week, or two or three weeks. But it doesn't mean you can't win another game of football quickly, so there's that side of it. I mean, the players have shown before what they're capable of doing and we have as a group."

The looming challenge at Craven Cottage
The fixture list offers no respite for the under-fire head coach, with a crucial trip to face Fulham at Craven Cottage looming large before the international break. Fulham, currently sitting 18th in the table, are managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, who is also under immense pressure having failed to secure a league win since his summer appointment. This clash is being framed as a "must-win" for both managers, but for Carrick, the stakes feel even higher given the stature of the club and the historical weight of the Brighton defeat.

"It's all about what you do next and dealing with the moments, and the ups and the downs. We've certainly got to deal with this moment in a good way," he explained.

Restoring the winning habit
The ultimate goal for United remains a return to the top table of English and European football, but Carrick is focusing on the basics of stringing results together in the short term. He has urged his side to simplify their approach and rediscover the winning habit that defined their surge up the table during the second half of last season. Carrick sent a clear message to the fans and his squad about the road ahead.

"We've got to get back to being on a good run," he added. "That's as simple as it gets. We've got to win football matches and we can do, and I fully believe we will do. But obviously we've got to do it pretty quick and Sunday is the starting point."



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/michael-carrick-man-utd-fulham-carabao-cup/bltb641f08b43deeb1e?utm_id=fa3iys5y8hyz9ezk&utm_source_platform=newsnow

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Pre-match analysis: Can Fulham build momentum vs Man United
Unbeaten in two in all competitions, the visit of a inconsistent Manchester United could provide Álvaro Arbeloa with the chance to gain his first Premier League win as Fulham manager.

Fulham round off the final Premier League gameweek before the first international break of the season as Manchester United make the trip down south to Craven Cottage for Super Sunday.

Álvaro Arbeloa's men will be looking to build up some momentum following positive displays in their last two outings.

Last weekend's solid 0-0 draw with Liverpool at Anfield was swiftly followed by progression to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the expense of West Ham United on Tuesday with a 3-2 victory.

The outside pressure and scrutiny that was beginning to engulf the Cottagers has slightly reduced following the last two games, but Fulham still remain winless in the Premier League and will hope to continue this momentum push before the international break, where afterwards they face the three promoted sides.

Replacing Ruben Amorim in January on a caretaker basis, former United midfielder Michael Carrick revitalised the Reds' fading season and steered the 20-time Premier League champions to third place and a return to the Champions League.

Rewarded with the manager's job permanently, the Reds reportedly splashed out on new players — predominantly from Premier League rivals.

Youri Tielemans arrived two months after winning the Europa League with Aston Villa, Carlos Baleba joined from Brighton, while Andrey Santos swapped West London and Chelsea for the red side of Manchester.

After starting the season with a shock 2-0 defeat at newly promoted Hull City, United regained their poise by smashing another promoted side 5-2 at Ipswich Town in a game which featured a brilliant hat-trick from captain Bruno Fernandes.

So far, consistency has eluded Carrick's men. A thrilling 2-2 draw away at Everton was followed by a victorious return to the Champions League with a 4-0 thumping of Azerbaijan side Sabah FK.

Unrest and pressure are starting to grow at Old Trafford as, following a deflating loss in the Manchester derby last weekend, United capitulated to lose 3-2 to Brighton in midweek and exit the Carabao Cup despite holding a two-goal advantage. As Fulham search for a first home Premier League win against United since 2009, here is all the pre-match information you will need to know.

Cup Respite

Tuesday's 3-2 win in East London was exactly what was needed to build on Fulham's battling display at Anfield.

This game gave fringe players who had enjoyed inconsistent runs in the first team the chance to stake their claim and reinvigorated their Fulham careers.

Timothy Castagne blocks former Fulham loanee Manor Solomon's cross in Fulham's 3-2 win at the London Stadium. Source: Richard Pelham- Getty Images

A few players grabbed this opportunity and excelled. Carlos Palacios, who at times has looked too fragile and unable to deal with the physical ruthlessness and demands of the Premier League, was superb and displayed his attacking awareness, speed and football intelligence to grab a goal and an assist and was integral to Fulham's creative output.

Rodrigo Muniz scored his second goal of the season with a glancing header into the left-hand corner. Gonçalo Garcia has struggled in the Premier League to really contribute to build-up play, and the Spaniard has often been marked out of the game, although he has not been helped by poor crossing from his full-backs.

If Fulham's number 9 continues to showcase his prowess and build up his own confidence, Arbeloa will have plenty to ponder.

The match at the London Stadium also emphasised the importance of two Fulham youngsters. Both Josh King and Shea Charles made substitute appearances and oozed composure, confidence and class, and have to be considered mainstays in the first team.

Arbeloa's Adaptation

The most eye-catching component of Fulham's draw at Anfield was a few subtle tweaks Arbeloa made to his system.

After the comical defending Fulham displayed against Crystal Palace that led to a chorus of boos from the home fans at full time, the former Real Madrid manager would have been gambling massively if he hadn't altered his set-up against the explosiveness and ruthlessness of Liverpool's attack.

Against the 24/25 Premier League champions, the travelling West Londoners set deeper and were happier to have less of the ball. The full-backs did not advance as far forward as in previous games, and Fulham's defensive shape, structure and organisation were more evident and compact.

This was helped by the introduction of David Affengruber at right-centre back. The Austrian, who replaced Joachim Andersen in the starting line-up, was extremely impressive, and his quick turn of pace allowed him to backtrack quicker and complement Calvin Bassey's skill set more effectively.

Past Game in Focus: Fulham 1-1 Manchester United (25/26)

Manchester United failed to win at Craven Cottage for the first time in 15 years as Emile Smith Rowe's second-half equaliser secured a point for Fulham.

United started on the front foot; Matheus Cunha's crisp strike deflected off the post, while Bernd Leno made a brilliant save to deny the Brazilian one-on-one 12 minutes later.

Following a lengthy review, United were awarded a penalty after VAR deemed Calvin Bassey had pushed Mason Mount to the floor.

From the resulting penalty, Bruno Fernandes skied his strike deep into the Hammersmith End, to the delight of the home crowd.

Fifteen minutes into the second half, United took the lead when an unmarked Lenny Yoro glanced home a header following poor defending from Fulham.

Fulham deservedly equalised when Antonne Robinson's cross was flicked on with a superb first touch by the onrushing Smith Rowe, giving Marco Silva's men their second point of the season.

Last Five

    Manchester United 3-2 Fulham (25/26)
    Fulham 1-1 Manchester United (25/26)
    Manchester United 1-1 Fulham (Fulham win 4-3 on pens, FA Cup Round of 16, 24/25)
    Fulham 0-1 Manchester United (24/25)
    Manchester United 1-0 Fulham (24/25)



https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/09/17/fulham/1271834-fulham-vs-manchester-united-pre-analysis-time-to-build-momentum.html

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Man United defender could be set to return for Fulham clash
Manchester United Injury Update as Michael Carrick Awaits Key Returns Before Fulham

Manchester United have made a mess of the start of the season and there is no point dressing it up. Michael Carrick is in his first full campaign as permanent manager and already the pressure is there, loud and deserved. The 3-2 home loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup summed up the problem. United raced into a 2-0 lead inside 10 minutes through Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, then lost control of the match and eventually lost the tie. That is not bad luck. That is a team with structural issues, fragile confidence and too many unavailable players.

The wider backdrop is ugly enough. There has been the derby defeat to Manchester City, the late slip at Everton and the loss to newly-promoted Hull. Wins over Ipswich and Sabah FK have not changed the mood. Add in the noise around JJ Gabriel asking to leave and the trip to Fulham now carries more significance than it should in September.

United need results, though they also need bodies back. Here is where things stand with the injured players, and what it all means ahead of Fulham and the difficult run that follows.

Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo offer immediate hope
Luke Shaw is the closest of the notable absentees to a return. He has missed United's last three matches with an unspecified issue and Carrick had already hinted that Brighton came slightly too soon. His words were clear enough: "Luke could [be available]," Carrick said on Tuesday. "He could possibly be fit for Brighton, but we'll see. It's not clear-cut, but it's a matter of a few days rather than anything else."

That points to Shaw being in the frame for Fulham, or at the very least being close enough to travel. United have lacked balance without him. He gives them a natural left-sided outlet and, more importantly, some control in build-up. At the moment, United look stretched too easily and too often.

Amad Diallo is further away. He has not played at all this season after suffering an ankle injury in training before the opening match at Hull. For a side short on one-v-one quality and movement in the final third, his absence matters. Carrick's last update was hardly optimistic: "Amad is not quite close, in terms of days, you know. We'll see as the week progresses."

Read that for what it is. He is unlikely to make Fulham. The realistic target appears to be Tottenham after the international break. United need him back because too many of their attacking patterns are predictable and too much falls on moments rather than sustained play.

Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt edge towards October
Carlos Baleba remains one of the more intriguing pieces in the squad. United finally signed the midfielder from Brighton for £70 million, having tracked him for a long time, but he arrived carrying an ankle ligament injury suffered in pre-season against Strasbourg. So the reunion with his former club on Wednesday was always going to come too soon.

There has been some encouragement. He has resumed outdoor work at Carrington and Carrick had suggested previously that a return within two to three weeks was possible. The problem is obvious, match sharpness and rhythm do not appear overnight. Fulham is likely to be too early, while Tottenham after the break looks far more plausible.

Baleba could change the feel of United's midfield quickly. He covers ground, he can carry the ball and he gives them more athletic presence. Right now United are too easy to play through when games become stretched. Brighton exposed that ruthlessly.

Matthijs de Ligt is in a similar bracket in terms of timeline, though his case has dragged on much longer. He has not played for United since November 2025 after aggravating a lower back injury against Crystal Palace. At the time, the issue was downplayed. It turned out to be serious enough for surgery in May, and serious enough to cost him a place at the World Cup with the Netherlands.

He is back working towards full fitness and should be closer after the international break. That matters because United need authority at the back. They have looked uncertain in key moments and too reactive when under pressure. De Ligt may not solve every defensive issue, though experience and presence count in these situations.

Manuel Ugarte and Tom Heaton remain longer-term absentees
Manuel Ugarte is the straightforward one, even if it is the most serious. He suffered a torn ACL while on World Cup duty with Uruguay against Spain in June and underwent surgery. Recovery times for that type of injury are brutal and there is no shortcut. Early to mid-2027 is the working estimate, which tells you everything.

Whether he plays this season remains doubtful. By the time he is fit, the squad picture could look very different. For now, he is simply out of the equation and United have to plan accordingly.

Tom Heaton is also unavailable after suffering a hamstring injury following the pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain in Sweden. As a third-choice goalkeeper behind Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow, he is not a decisive absence in football terms, but it still matters around the training ground and in squad depth. There is no firm return date attached, so for the moment he stays on the unavailable list.

Fulham test carries weight for Manchester United
There is a temptation in September to talk about patience, bedding-in periods and small sample sizes. Fine. Results still matter and performances matter more. United have had too many bad ones already. Carrick needs some injured players back, particularly Shaw in the short term and Amad Diallo soon after, but injuries do not explain everything.

The Brighton defeat showed a side unable to manage momentum, unable to regain control and unable to defend a lead at Old Trafford. That is the real concern heading into Fulham. If Shaw makes it, it helps. If he does not, the same questions remain. When does this team start looking like it knows what it is doing?

For now, the likely picture is this. Shaw has a chance for Fulham. Amad Diallo, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt are more realistic for Tottenham after the break. Manuel Ugarte is out long term. Tom Heaton remains sidelined. None of that is ideal, though enough should be returning soon for Carrick to lose the excuse of a thin squad.

And that is where this goes next. Injuries have hurt Manchester United, yes. Their football has hurt them more.



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