Saturday Fulham Stuff - 31/01/26...

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Fulham move for Ricardo Pepi stalls, reason revealed
Fulham are reportedly interested in signing 23-year-old American striker striker Ricardo Pepi from PSV Eindhoven in the winter transfer window.

According to Sky Sports, Fulham and PSV Eindhoven are currently €1 million apart in valuation of Ricardo Pepi, but the Dutch outfit are not prepared to sanction his departure before signing an alternative. They have not managed to sign a replacement for the star striker, and therefore, the move has not materialised so far.

The report claims that the striker is prepared to stay at PSV if a move cannot be agreed upon. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops. Fulham need more quality and depth in the attacking unit, and Pepi would be a strong addition.

The USMNT international has registered 13 goal contributions this season. The youngster is currently sidelined with an arm injury, but he is expected to return to action next month. Several clubs are monitoring his situation, and the West London outfit will look to get the deal done before the window closes.

The youngster could prove to be an excellent acquisition for them, and he could help them do well during the second half of the season.

Fulham could do with a quality signing
It has been an impressive season for Marco Silva's men. They will be looking to finish in a respectable position, and signing quality players in January could make a big difference for them. Meanwhile, the opportunity to play in the Premier League will be exciting for Pepi as well.

It would be a step up in his career and he would get to test himself at the highest level. Regular football in England could help him improve further and fulfil his potential. The €1 million valuation gap between the two clubs is likely to be resolved, especially if PSV can find a quality replacement for their star striker.

The attacker is at the peak of his powers, and this could be the right time for him to take on a new challenge. He will look to compete at the highest level, and the London club could provide him with the platform he needs right now.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/30/fulham-move-for-ricardo-pepi-stalls-reason-revealed/

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Marco: Bobb is very, very talented
Like all Fulham fans, Marco Silva was delighted to see the deal to bring in Oscar Bobb get over the line on Friday afternoon.

Following the departure of Adama Traoré earlier in the week, the 22-year-old arrived from Manchester City to add a fantastic option on the right wing.

"I'm very pleased, definitely very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from ourselves," Silva said in his pre-Manchester United press conference.

"We, as a football club, since Adama left the Club, or was coming close to leaving the Club, I had some players in my mind, and we as a Club had some players as targets.

"Oscar was one of them, for sure he is a clear replacement for the player that left the football club, that was Adama. We signed Oscar, and it's a great move from us.

"Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well. Needs more consistency in the gametime, has to come here to show himself and to help the team, like the other forward players who are helping ourselves so far.

"It's going to be great for us to have another – from an individual point of view – good player around those forward positions. Can play right, like Adama, can play inside, behind the striker as well. He's a player that can play in tight spaces, between the lines he's very good.

"Now it's a matter of us to work with him, to put him in the best physical condition he can be, because I'm sure that he's going to be a very good signing for the football club.

"And, of course, I have to congratulate the Club and the board for the move, to react from the player that left the football club, like Adama, to react in order to replace him with a – in my opinion – very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/marco-silva-bobb-is-very-very-talented/

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Signing Bobb 'a great move' by Fulham – Silva
Marco Silva says the signing of Oscar Bobb as a "great move" by Fulham.

The Norwegian winger has completed a transfer from Manchester City, signing a five-and-a-half-year contract at Craven Cottage.

His arrival follows the recent sale of Adama Traore to West Ham.

Whites boss Silva has been keen to improve his attacking options.

And he declared: "Very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from us.

"Since Adama left, or was coming close to leaving, I had some players in mind as targets and Oscar was one of them for sure.

"He's a clear replacement for the player that left the club. It's a great move from us. Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well.

"I have to congratulate the club and the board for the move and to be able to sign a player and to react in a way to replace Traore with a very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."

Silva also confirmed that Kenny Tete will be in contention for Sunday's game against Manchester United after missing the start of the year through injury, while Rodrigo Muniz is close to a return.



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/signing-bobb-a-great-move-by-fulham-silva

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From the Press Box: Bobb through the door ahead of Man United trip
JK updates us from Marco Silva's pre-United press conference

Seventh in the league and new signing through the door. There's a lot to like about what's going on at Fulham right now. Fulham completed the signing of Oscar Bobb from Manchester City one hour prior to Marco Silva's press conference.

It's an impressive signing, and Marco Silva shared his delight with the new addition. But before that he gave an update on team news.

"Kenny is working completely, involved in everything that we need for the game. After last week where he was 67% completely involved, this week he has been completely fit from himself, he is going to be in contention for the game.

"Rodrigo Muniz is around the team already in some drills with the team.This week is probably going to be too soon, probably next week we are going to have good news about him as well. So far, let's continue in the same way, all the other players are going to be available for the game."

Silva said the club are supporting Samuel Chukwueze after the passing of his mother, and that's it's his decision whether he wants to be involved on Sunday.

"Chukwueze is going to have everything he needs in this moment, simple as that. If he needs one day, two days, one week, he is going to have, depending really from him, how he feels. Right now, completely support from myself, from an individual point of view, for the club as well.

"It is going to be his decision much more than anything. What he needs from us, we are here to support him."

The question turned towards the new man and Silva said that Bobb was a replacement for the departing Adama Traore.

"I'm very pleased, because I think it's a very, very good move from ourselves.

"We, as a football club, since Adama left the club, or was coming close to leaving the club, I had some players in my mind, and we as a club had some players as targets.

"Oscar was one of them, for sure he is a clear replacement for the player that left the football club, that was Adama. We signed Oscar, and it's a great move from us.

"Very talented player, quality, individual quality as well. Needs more consistency in the game-time, has to come here to show himself and to help the team, like the other forward players who are helping ourselves so far.

"It's going to be great for us to have another – from an individual point of view – good player around those forward positions. Can play right, like Adama, can play inside, behind the striker as well. He's a player that can play in tight spaces, between the lines he's very good.

"Now it's a matter of us to work with him, to put him in the best physical condition he can be, because I'm sure that he's going to be a very good signing for the football club.

"And, of course, I have to congratulate the Club and the board for the move, to react from the player that left the football club, like Adama, to react in order to replace him with a – in my opinion – very, very talented player like Oscar Bobb."

There were questions around whether Fulham were thinking about making Chukwueze's loan a permanent deal this summer.

"We have time, we have time to talk about it. I think the option is there, it's dependent on us. We all are very pleased with him, his integration in our football club, his adaptation is being very good for the Premier League.

"I'm very pleased. He's a great lad, he's a nice boy, create a good environment, he's adapting for what we need, he's adapting for the Premier League demands. He has quality, that's the most important thing and we are going to have time to do it.

"But of course, ourselves, myself as a manager, ourselves as a football club, the fans, they have the same feeling for sure and they share the same feelings with us."

So, Manchester United. What will happen on Sunday? Wins against Man City and Arsenal have been impressive and have got the fan back onside, but Fulham are no mugs. Fulham will go to Old Trafford with confidence that they can win back-to-back games there after last season's FA Cup win (albeit on pens).

But to finish off - Bobb in, Silva happy. Another one or two before 7pm on Monday would be very impressive and would indicate to Silva and fans that the board are serious about their intentions of long-term planning.

Enjoy the weekend and COYW!



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/p/from-the-press-box-bobb-through-the

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Pre-Man Utd Press Conference
Marco Silva is relishing the opportunity to go head-to-head with Manchester United again on Sunday.

Battles with the Reds have been very tight contests the last few years, but we come up against a new coach this time around in Michael Carrick, with their former midfielder leading his side to wins over Manchester City and Arsenal in his first two games in interim charge.

"Playing against Manchester United, home or away, they are always special and difficult games – at Old Trafford, probably more," Silva explained.

"The environment, for sure, is going to be great, and we like this type of challenge, it's going to be a great test for ourselves. To test ourselves in these type of places and against sides that are full of motivation, is going to be a great one for us.

"And we face it, we go there to really match them, and to do our best to get a good result, understanding all the noise around and the reaction from them."

In such a tight season, an away win on Sunday would move us to within a point of our opponents, who currently sit fourth in the table. Not that Silva expects that to affect how the match plays out...

"The Premier League has been very competitive," Silva said. "Last season was very, very competitive. This season has been more.

"Everybody expected it's probably not so easy to have another one with the same level of competitiveness and all that stuff, [but] this one has been.

"You get two, three good results, and you are in a great position in the table. But if you are not on the top of your game, in two, three games you fall down straightaway, and you are going to be in the positions that are not so nice.

"We go game by game, already go for the next one with full motivation. Understand the challenge that is ahead of us. If Man United is four points above ourselves, or one point, or 10 points, it's not going to have any impact in the game."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/pre-man-utd-press-conference/

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XI Prediction: Carrick to clobber Fulham? Mbeumo to lead the line again? Cunha to shine?
Manchester United -v- Fulham

Premier League

Old Trafford, Manchester

Sunday 1st February 2025; KO 14:00 GMT

Manchester United welcome Fulham to the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday afternoon in the Premier League. United have won their last two matches in the league with Michael Carrick at the helm, beating Manchester City 2-0 and Arsenal 3-2. What a time to be alive. Six points out of six for Carrick so far.

United sit fourth in the Premier League at the time of writing, a point clear of fifth placed Chelsea and eight points behind third placed Aston Villa and second-placed City. United have closed the gap to 12 points behind Arsenal. Fulham sit in seventh place in the league, four points behind this United side.

Manchester United Top Scorers & Assists
⚽️ 8 – Bryan Mbeumo, 5 – Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Sesko, 4 – Casemiro, Matheus Cunha, 3 – Mason Mount, 2 – Amad, Patrick Dorgu, Harry Maguire, Joshua Zirkzee, 1 – Diogo Dalot, Mathijs de Ligt

🅰 10 – Bruno Fernandes, 3 – Amad, Patrick Dorgu, 2 – Matheus Cunha, Diogo Dalot, 1 – Casemiro, Ayden Heaven, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo, Bryan Mbeumo, Mason Mount, Benjamin Sesko, Luke Shaw, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee

Fulham Top Scorers & Assists
⚽️ 9 – Harry Wilson, 6 – Raúl Jiménez, 5 – Emile Smith Rowe, 3 – Samuel Chukwueze, 2 – Alex Iwobi, Saša Lukić, Ryan Sessegnon, 1 – Calvin Bassey, Tom Cairney, Kevin, Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed, Kenny Tete

🅰 5 – Harry Wilson, 4 – Samuel Chukwueze, Kevin, 3 – Raúl Jiménez, Saša Lukić, 2 – Alex Iwobi, Ryan Sessegnon, 1 – Joachim Andersen, Sander Berge, Tom Cairney, Timothy Castagne, Josh King, Rodrigo Muniz, Harrison Reed, Antonee Robinson, Adama Traoré

Predicted Manchester United XI:
Lammens;

Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;

Mainoo, Casemiro;

Amad, Fernandes, Cunha;

Mbeumo

Predicted Fulham XI:
Leno;

Castagne, Andersen, Cuenca, Robinson;

Iwobi, Berge;

Wilson, Smith Rowe, Kevin;

Jiménez

Goalkeeper: Senne Lammens
Senne Lammens is the best goalkeeper United have in the squad this season. He has grown into his position since signing for United, despite what opposition supporters say about him. He is the first goalkeeper since David De Gea to actually command his area, being brave and know when to punch the ball clear.

If you compare him to Andre Onana, you wonder why Onana is a footballer at all, let alone a goalkeeper. Lammens has a great future ahead of him and I really believe that he will thrive at United once the latest new era has stabilised and the club are bringing in players to better the football, not just the profits of the club.

Defence: Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw
United's defence has found their feet this season. The central defensive partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez has been great for the last two matches, but Martinez has played well with Ayden Heaven too. The move to a four at the back system has been a revelation for United. Three at the back doesn't work.

United will continue to grow defensively as there is work to do in order to sure up the defence and start to rise from the ashes and make something of this football club again. In the full back positions, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be starting against Fulham – I would not expect many changes from Carrick at this stage.

Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro
The United midfield ha something to talk about again with the partnership of Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo. The duo have done amazingly in the last two matches with Manuel Ugarte not really getting many minutes on the pitch. United will need to make some changes to the midfield in the summer though.

There will be options for Carrick against Fulham with both Ugarte and Mason Mount able to play in these positions, although Mount is more of an attacking player. Carrick could bring more youth players into the first team squad, but that may seem unlikely at this time as it could be a risk for him and getting top four.

Attacking Midfield: Amad, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha
The attacking midfield has some great players who seem to be in full form at this stage of the season. Amad will remain on the right wing with Bruno Fernandes playing through the centre and with Patrick Dorgu out for the foreseeable future, Matheus Cunha playing on the left wing. That is a top attacking line.

Carrick will have many options here with Mount able to play in any of the three positions and the likelihood of Joshua Zirkzee back in contention plus the addition of Shea Lacey, if he makes the squad as he really has something about him and is full of confidence and does not shy away when playing for the first team.

Striker: Bryan Mbeumo
The forward should once again be Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroonian is United's top scorer this season with eight goals so far this season. Carrick sees more from Mbeumo than he does from Benjamin Sesko, who will remain on the bench. Perhaps Sesko will get a great opportunity in the coming matches for United?

Sesko could be learning a new system in the background, hence why he has been benched. There has been some good plays from him before Carrick took charge of the club. Mbeumo is a player more likely to find the back of the net for United though, which is a good thing. United have a good group of players now though.

Substitutes: Altay Bayindir; Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven; Mason Mount, Manuel Ugarte; Joshua Zirkzee, Benjamin Sesko, Shea Lacey

United will have nine players on the bench against Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday. Altay Bayindir will be the goalkeeper on the bench. In defence, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven will all be available to add some strength in depth on the bench, should defensive substitutions needs to be made.

In midfield, Mason Mount and Manuel Ugarte will both be available for the Fulham clash. I don't see Carrick making any major changes to his XI as they have only played twice in the last two weeks. In attack, Joshua Zirkzee could be back along with Benjamin Sesko and Shea Lacey, adding some strength to the bench.

Match Prediction

United need to play exactly the same way they have played against both City and Arsenal in the past two weeks; press the opposition, let them hold possession of the ball and strike on the counter and shock the opposition by scoring goals. United have scored five goals in two matches, conceding just two.

Getting the better of Fulham will be the task for United as they need to keep a charge into the top four this season as qualifying for the UEFA Champions League is a just this season and Carrick seems to be up for that challenge, doing so well after two matches — getting six points out of six against the top two teams.

Manchester United 3-1 Fulham



https://mufclatest.com/xi-prediction-carrick-to-clobber-fulham-mbeumo-to-lead-the-line-again-cunha-to-shine/

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Matchday Preview: Man Utd
🆚 Manchester United
🏟 Old Trafford
🏆 Premier League
🗓 Sunday 1st February
⏰ 2pm

The opposition

Things are looking up for Manchester United since bringing in Michael Carrick as interim head coach following the departure of Ruben Amorim. It was a daunting first two games for their former midfielder, against Manchester City at Old Trafford and a trip to leaders Arsenal, but they managed to come away with six points, putting them into the Premier League's top four.

Team news

👹 In-form Patrick Dorgu misses out after going off injured in the Arsenal win so joins Matthijs de Ligt in the treatment room, but Joshua Zirkzee returned to training this week.

🤍 While Kenny Tete is expected to return, the game comes too soon for Saša Lukić and Rodrigo Muniz, but we may hopefully see the latter against Everton next week. Marco Silva says Samuel Chukwueze's involvement is up to the player, following the sad passing of his mother.

Tickets

The away allocation has sold out, meaning there will be 2,424 Fulham fans at Old Trafford. Fans attending are reminded that digital tickets are in operation for this fixture.

Kits

Both sides will be in home strips, though we will be sporting our black shorts to avoid a clash.

Weather

🌧� Light wind is expected in Manchester, coupled with temperatures of nine degrees.

Coverage

FFCtv subscribers can listen to commentary from Gentleman Jim and Jamie Reid, while the match will also be broadcast on Sky Sports. Overseas supporters can see who is showing the game in your region at this page.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2026/january/30/matchday-preview-man-utd/

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Everton, Fulham, Newcastle United sounded out for Angel Gomes move as Wolves push hard for deal
Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United have been offered the opportunity to sign 25-year-old English midfielder Angel Gomes from Marseille.

Angel Gomes has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past as well. According to a report from TEAMtalk, Everton, Fulham, and Newcastle United have been sounded out about a move for the 25-year-old, and it remains to be seen whether they are prepared to pursue the opportunity.

The Englishman has proven himself in Ligue 1, and there is no doubt that he has the technical attributes for English football. He could prove to be a very useful acquisition for all three clubs.

Everton need more creativity and control, and Angel Gomes could prove to be an interesting addition. He will help create more opportunities for their attackers, and the prospect of competing in the Premier League will be exciting for the player.

Fulham have done quite well during the first half of the season, and they will look to sustain that form in the second half as well. They will look to finish as high as possible in the Premier League table. Signing a quality midfielder in January could make a big difference for them.

He will help create opportunities for his teammates and add more technical ability in the final third. Angel Gomes can play as a central or attacking midfielder. However, other midfielders, including Gabriel Sara, are also on Fulham's wishlist.

Newcastle United also keen on Gomes
Finally, Newcastle United are keeping tabs on Angel Gomes as well. It will be interesting to see if they decide to take up the opportunity to sign the player in January. They have the resources to get the deal done and they have an ambitious project. The 25-year-old will be tempted to join them.

They need more creativity and cutting-edge, and Gomes should prove to be an excellent addition. He is entering the peak years of his career, and this is the right time for him to take on a new challenge. The move to the Premier League could help him improve further and fulfil his potential.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2026/01/30/everton-fulham-newcastle-united-sounded-out-for-angel-gomes-move-as-wolves-push-hard-for-deal/

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Tottenham Eyeing 'Genius' Manager to Replace Thomas Frank, Willing to Wait Until Summer
Tottenham Hotspur are considering a move to appoint Fulham boss Marco Silva should they decide to sack Thomas Frank, according to Sports Boom.

Spurs have had a difficult season so far and sit 14th in the Premier League after a string of poor performances, which have brought huge pressure onto the manager's job, with a large section of the fan base calling for him to be removed from his post.

The north London club are said to be considering a change, but their performances in the Champions League, which saw them qualify for the last 16 in fourth place, have forced the board to question whether it would be the right decision. That hasn't stopped any long-term succession planning though, and they have identified a candidate for their next permanent manager.

Tottenham Consider Marco Silva as Next Manager
Silva, who has been described as a 'genius', has done wonders as manager at Fulham in recent years, and the Cottagers are currently sitting 7th in the Premier League table, just four points off a Champions League spot.

But the Portuguese coach is currently due to be out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of the season, and that has sparked the attention of the north London club when considering options to replace Frank.

ENIC are keen to appoint someone with a similar philosophy to Frank should they get rid of the Dane, as they want to ensure a smoother transition for the squad. Silva is understood to want to see out the season with Fulham before assessing all of his options, but an approach from Tottenham could make him think twice about that.

 Silva is keen to test himself at the highest level, and while Spurs' struggles in recent seasons are noted, they are still considered to be one of the top teams in the country.

It's believed that Spurs would likely wait until the end of the season before making an approach, even if they did sack Frank mid-season, with former midfielder and West Brom boss Ryan Mason being considered for a potential interim manager role should that scenario take place.

Silva Would Be Major Frank Upgrade
Frank made a real reputation for himself while at Brentford, but it was his pragmatic style and lack of expectation that often saw him credited so much. Now that he has more spotlight on him, his shortcomings are becoming more glaringly obvious.

Silva has a similar situation at Fulham, but he is consistently over-performing with his squad, plays attacking football and regularly gets a tune out of players who have underperformed elsewhere.

On paper, Silva would be a huge upgrade on Frank, and if he's willing to join then the board should be seriously considering making it a reality that he takes over as the club manager in the near future.



https://www.givemesport.com/tottenham-want-marco-silva-thomas-frank-replacement/

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Cunha To Start, Sesko On The Bench | 4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup Vs Fulham
Manchester United will welcome Fulham at Old Trafford this Sunday as they look to secure a good result at home in the Premier League. The Red Devils managed to earn a hard-fought 3-2 win away at Arsenal recently, which should give them a ton of confidence heading into this game.

Michael Carrick will set his men up in a 4-2-3-1 formation and is expected to make one change to his first team for this clash. Matheus Cunha could play from the start of this game, but Patrick Dorgu is a major doubt for this contest.

4-2-3-1 Manchester United Predicted Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence
Senne Lammens will operate in goal for the Red Devils after he conceded two goals in his last outing. Harry Maguire will function alongside Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Man United backline as they hope to keep a solid shape when defending inside their half.

Diogo Dalot will hope to catch the eye as the right-back, while Luke Shaw looks to prove his value on the other side as the left-back. Both of them will have to pick and choose their moments to join in on the attack.

Noussair Mazraoui and Ayden Heaven will provide cover for the defensive positions on the bench.

Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will operate as the holding midfielders as they focus on making life tough for the opposition at the centre of the park.

The talented trio of Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo will play just ahead of them as part of Man United's attack. All three of them need to be at their best if the Red Devils are to secure maximum points from this weekend.

Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount will have to be content with a place on the bench and might come on to make an impact in the second 45 minutes if required.

Attack
Bryan Mbeumo will lead the charge for the Mancunian giants in the final third. He has to find a way to cause a lot of problems for the Fulham defenders this weekend.

Benjamin Sesko will be available for selection on the bench as they wait for their chance to influence the game in the latter stages if needed.



https://the4thofficial.net/2026/01/cunha-to-start-sesko-on-the-bench-4-2-3-1-manchester-united-predicted-lineup-vs-fulham/

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Paul Merson singles out Michael Carrick's biggest call to make in 'hard' Man Utd vs Fulham prediction
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson has dropped his two cents on the major test that Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick now faces against Fulham.

Michael Carrick has well and truly blown all expectations out of the water after his sensational start to life as Manchester United interim head coach this season.

United defeated Manchester City 2-0 at Old Trafford in Carrick's first match in charge at Old Trafford after the Red Devils sacked Ruben Amorim earlier this month.

The Red Devils then followed up their performance against Manchester City with another sensational – and massive – result at the Emirates last weekend.

Man Utd beat Arsenal 3-2 in a Premier League comeback victory and Carrick's men strengthened their position to mount a top-four challenge in the 2025-26 season.

Paul Merson on Michael Carrick vs Ruben Amorim ahead of the Man Utd vs Fulham match at Old Trafford
Michael Carrick has been widely praised for his immediate impact after Ineos and Sir Jim Ratcliffe brought the 44-year-old Manchester United legend back to Old Trafford.

Man Utd are now fourth in the Premier League table and the Red Devils are a point clear of fifth-place Chelsea and two points clear of sixth-place Liverpool.

Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson believes that Carrick is now in a similar situation as Ruben Amorim over what people expect next from Man Utd.

"This is the game for Michael Carrick," he said.

"Manchester City at home and Arsenal away, no-one expected Manchester United to do anything.

"But now, everyone will turn up to Old Trafford expecting a win over Fulham!

"We saw this with Ruben Amorim at times. He would do well in some of the big games and then lose to the so-called smaller teams.

"Will Carrick be able to buck the trend?"

Paul Merson spotlights the Patrick Dorgu challenge that Michael Carrick faces amid his Man Utd vs Fulham prediction
United legend Carrick will be without the in-form Patrick Dorgu after the 21-year-old Danish wing-back suffered a hamstring injury in Man Utd's 3-2 win over Arsenal.

Patrick Dorgu was forced off the pitch late in the second half at the Emirates last Sunday and the Denmark international could be ruled out for a number of weeks.

Merson thinks that Carrick's need to replace Dorgu – likely to be with Matheus Cunha – is the only change that the interim head coach will make to his team.

"Patrick Dorgu is out injured and will have to be replaced," he added.

"Otherwise, I don't think Carrick will change anything for this clash.

"This will be a hard game for United and I don't buy it when people say they'll win for sure because they beat City and Arsenal."

Arsenal legend Merson has backed United to secure all three Premier League points against Fulham and has tipped Carrick's men to win 2-1 at Old Trafford on Sunday.



https://www.unitedinfocus.com/news/paul-merson-singles-out-michael-carricks-biggest-call-to-make-in-hard-man-utd-vs-fulham-prediction/

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Premier League news: Carrick vows United will not ease up; Isak saga is behind us, says Howe
Taking Fulham lightly would be 'bang out of order'

Michael Carrick says Manchester United would be "bang out of order" if they take Fulham for granted on Sunday afterimpressive wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. Those victories have lifted United to fourth, on 38 points, four points ahead of Fulham, and Carrick warned there would be no change of approach when Marco Silva's side arrive at Old Trafford.

"Tough game, tough challenge," said United's interim manager. "Marco has got Fulham into a really good team. Just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order so it might be a case it's the same flow of the game as the last two weeks. No shame in that, we will deal with the game in front of us and do whatever it takes to come out on top."

Joshua Zirkzee, who has returned to training after injury, has been linked with a transfer before Monday's deadline. "I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit and get back around the group and it's been great to have him back training yesterday," said Carrick. "That's literally as far as it goes for me and for Josh. I'm looking forward to working with him. Nothing else needs to be said."

Carrick did confirm Patrick Dorgu will be unavailable for a prolonged period due to the muscle problem he sustained at Arsenal. "He's disappointed, he's had such a big couple of weeks," said Carrick. "We weren't sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious, so it'll be a few weeks for that. How many, we'll have to wait and see." Jamie Jackson

No bad blood over Isak wrangle, says Howe
Eddie Howe is not expecting to welcome any new faces to his Newcastle squad before the transfer window closes on Monday night but travels to Liverpool on Saturday buoyed up by a fine away performance at the Champions League holders Paris Saint-Germain.

That 1-1 draw on Wednesday night secured Newcastle a two-legged European playoff against Qarabag. It entails a long trek to Baku but Howe believes his team's recent struggles on the road should be consigned to the past. "It was a high-level, elite, game in Paris," he said. "My players showed their quality; we've proved how good we are away from home. We should have no fears now."

More immediately, Newcastle are seeking a first Premier League win at Liverpool since 1994, with Howe maintaining the bad blood provoked by Alexander Isak's protracted £125m transfer to the Merseyside club last summer is forgotten. "We've moved on," he said. "What happened is irrelevant now. We're not looking back, we're looking forward. There's certainly nothing (animosity behind the scenes) on our side."

While Isak is sidelined by a broken leg, Newcastle's captain, Bruno Guimarães, faces a fitness test on his ankle injury. Although Joelinton will be absent, Guimarães's midfield sidekick appears weeks rather than months away from a return."Joe flew to Barcelona for an injection into his groin," said Newcastle's manager. "And the specialist feels his return could be quite quick, we're looking at weeks not months."

The full-back Tino Livramentois pencilled in to recover from hamstring trouble in time for a return in early March. Louise Taylor

Fair to judge me on this season, says Slot
Arne Slot has said it is fair to judge him on a troubled second season at Liverpool and not his title-winning debut, with online abuse "part of the job" of being a manager in 2026.

Slot has received fierce criticism on social media, a lot of it personal, and it reignited when his team's 13-game unbeaten run ended at Bournemouth last Saturday. Even comfortable passage into the last 16 of the Champions League for a second successive season on Wednesday, courtesy of a 6-0 rout of Qarabag, did not spare Slot criticism, specifically in regards to one post-match comment.

A reminder that Liverpool exited the Europa League quarter-finals against Atalanta two years ago, before sailing through the Champions League group two years running, landed Slot in trouble with the keyboard warriors.

Rather than feeling entitled to more respect for winning Liverpool's 20th league championship last year, the Dutchman accepts that he should be judged on the merits of the current campaign. Liverpool are sixth, 14 points behind leaders Arsenal, before facing Newcastle at Anfield on Saturday.

"Maybe that has changed for managers, that even if you have won something there is still room for criticism, which to a certain extent is normal because we are in a new season and I was the first to say to the players: 'We have to forget last season'," said Slot. "So it is fair that people judge me on this season and not on last season."

"It is the part of the job, part of the thing we are living in," Slot added. "What I meant [about the Europa League comment] was that season Liverpool ended up third in the league and we are currently sixth, so I didn't want to make the point that was a poor season.

"I only said we have achieved so much at this club but sometimes we also have to enjoy a moment like this. We cannot take those things for granted. For all the other things that are being said, that is what you have to accept if you are a manager that is not winning enough games."

Slot's options are stretched for the visit of Newcastle on Saturday, though Ibrahima Konaté should return from compassionate leave and Curtis Jones is available after illness. But the head coach insists he is happy with the size of Liverpool's squad and the club's business model. "Everyone talks about £450m [being spent] but we had to recoup £300m [since 2024]," he said. "That's our model and I am not frustrated about that. Maybe I am little bit frustrated that too many people don't notice what our model is. That's the model I stepped in to and I even embrace it. It's a good model to have for any club.

"We were able to achieve a lot of good things since this ownership is here with this model of sustainability. So we sold for £300m and bought £450m. But £250m we haven't used yet – Alexander Isak, Jeremie Frimpong only a little bit and Giovanni Leoni not at all. That is the reality." Andy Hunter

Fulham sign Bobb for £27m
Fulham have completed the signing of winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City on a five-year deal. The 22-year-old Norway international has moved to Craven Cottage in what is understood to be a £27m deal.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola missed media duties before his side's trip to Tottenham for personal reasons on Friday. The Manchester City manager was due to hold a lunchtime press conference to preview Sunday's Premier League game but the club later confirmed the assistant Pep Lijnders would take his place.

It comes after Guardiola gave a speech in support of Palestinian children at a charity concert in his home city of Barcelona on Thursday. The club said Guardiola was not present due to a personal reason. The Spaniard was expected to be back for training on Saturday. PA Media

Frank convinced Spurs owners 'super committed'
Thomas Frank talked up the "big commitment" of Tottenham's owners despite a quiet January and insisted transfers were not as easy as Football Manager after they missed out on Antoine Semenyo. Spurs will face Semenyo on Sunday when Manchester City visit and Frank revealed the former Bournemouth attacker had been a big target for this winter transfer window before he decided to join Guardiola's title-chasing side.

With only days of the window left, Tottenham have signed Conor Gallagher from Atlético Madrid and the teenage Brazilian left-back Souza, but sold last season's leading scorer Brennan Johnson and lost Mohammed Kudus, Richarlison, Rodrigo Bentancur, Ben Davies and Lucas Bergvall to serious injuries in January.

It led Frank to acknowledge his current squad of players to choose from was weaker than at the start of this month, but he rejected any notion that the majority owners ENIC – run by the Lewis family Trust – were not committed to this project with Spurs down in 14th in the Premier League table.

Before a daunting run of fixtures in February, which begins with the visit of City, Frank said: "I think we lost, I can't remember, six or seven players inside three weeks in January? That's crazy. There were definitely too many, so yeah of course [the squad] it's weaker than we started the first of January.

"I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project. They want to do everything and I would go against my rule, hopefully only once, that there's no doubt it's clear that the club wants to sign Semenyo. They did everything. I think that's a clear signal.

Frank revealed a late call would be made on Micky van de Ven after he missed the impressive midweek victory at Eintracht Frankfurt with a "minor" injury, but Spurs could still be without eight players despite Pedro Porro and Richarlison being primed for a return at the end of February. PA Media

Nuno believes Traoré can boost survival drive
Nuno Espírito Santo believes he can get the best out of Adama Traoré and that the "unique" winger can boost West Ham's efforts to beat the drop after the manager was reunited with Traoré, having coached him at Wolves, rescuing the 30-year-old from a disappointing season at Fulham.

"I've worked with him for many years, and I know him well," said Nuno. "He's unique – there aren't many players with his ability one-on-one, or with his pace. He's going to give us many things that we need. He possesses great threat, and he has great energy, not only on the pitch, but in the dressing room and at the training ground too. He's a special person to have around. It's not up to me to judge what's happened to him before. I'm just happy to have him here."

The Hammers briefly closed the gap to 17th-placed Nottingham Forest to two points last weekend after beating Sunderland, but Forest responded a day later by winning at Brentford to leave Nuno's side five adrift of safety going into Saturday's trip to Chelsea. "We just have to focus on ourselves, and ignore what our opponents are doing," Nuno added. "We have to try to compete well, play well, achieve results and keep going. We can't focus on what the other teams are doing, because we can't control that." PA Media

Rosenior reinforcements 'must be right'
Liam Rosenior said Chelsea are ready to move in the final days of the transfer window if the right players are available. The Blues are in the market for a central defender and have been optimistic that a deal for a long-term target could be reached before the end of January.

A long-term injury to Levi Colwill which is likely to see him miss the whole season has left Chelsea short of options in the position, but it is understood no emergency cover is likely to be sanctioned with the club preferring to stick with their recruitment plans from before the England defender's injury.

The deadline for deals is on Monday night and Rosenior confirmed that the sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart are actively working on strengthening the team and are ready to back their head coach. "The guys are working hard to stay on top of things in terms of information on what's out there, who's interested in our players," said Rosenior. "It's about being prepared for any development.

"My job along with the guys is to make the squad in every area as strong as it can possibly be. Certain players come up that you don't expect to come up, and then can strengthen you. Whether that's a striker or a wide player or a defender. If we see something, I know the guys are willing to do it. I don't want to bring in players for the sake of bringing in players. There's a possibility it could be busy, a possibility it could be quiet." PA Media



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