Shaw edging back, Baleba in frame as Carrick steels Man United for must-win trip to Fulham

After a brutal week that’s left Manchester United punch-drunk and the fanbase on edge, Michael Carrick’s men head to Craven Cottage needing more than a response — they need a result. A narrow derby defeat to City, clouded by a contentious Erling Haaland strike, was followed by a calamitous EFL Cup exit to Brighton, tossing away a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2. That’s the sort of wobble that tests tempers and boardroom patience alike.

Carrick’s fitness bulletin

Carrick has offered a sliver of encouragement: Luke Shaw is edging back from a minor thigh issue after three games out and could be in the squad on Sunday. Carlos Baleba is also pushing for his first involvement since his ankle problem. The manager stopped short of guarantees, framing both as late calls, but the tone felt cautiously upbeat.

Who’s still missing

There’s no fresh miracle elsewhere. Matthijs De Ligt (back), Manuel Ugarte (knee) and Amad Diallo (ankle) remain sidelined. The expectation is that De Ligt and Amad target involvement after the international break, with Ugarte’s timeline less clear. The club’s guidance has pointed to the following rough markers: Shaw (aiming around 20/09/2026), De Ligt and Baleba (circa 10/10/2026), Amad (around 10/10/2026), and Ugarte still TBC. Timelines shift, but the picture is obvious — Carrick’s been picking teams with one hand tied behind his back.

Why Shaw and Baleba matter

United’s defending has been all over the shop — they’ve coughed up two or more in all but two outings this season. Shaw’s return would bring much-needed balance and savvy on the left, likely nudging Noussair Mazraoui out of that slot. Baleba, meanwhile, gives you legs and bite in midfield, even if he’s probably a bench option at first. Get him on for the last half-hour and you’ve got a shield in front of a back line that’s been far too easy to play through.

Selection calls for Craven Cottage

Fulham under Álvaro Arbeloa are hardly in sparkling form, but the Cottage can still swallow you whole if you’re loose. Expect Carrick to prioritise control: Shaw in if he passes the final checks, a steadier double pivot to limit the chaos, and clear instructions to compress the pitch when out of possession. If Baleba is deemed ready for a cameo, he could be the late-game closer United have lacked.

The pressure cooker

Let’s not sugar-coat it: two wins all season — Ipswich (5-2) and Sabah in Europe (4-0) — is a return that won’t wash in these parts. This is must-win territory before the international break; drop more points and the noise around Carrick becomes a roar. For punters eyeing the form lines and player markets, you’ll find the latest prices across the best betting sites, but the bigger story is psychological — United have to show they can manage a lead and close out a game without the late jitters.

What Carrick’s words really mean

Strip away the careful phrasing and you get this: Shaw is close but not nailed on; Baleba is in contention but will be handled with care. The message to the dressing room is clear — tighten up, cut the errors, trust your structure. If United can reduce transitions and set a proper pressing trap, the rest follows.

Transfer radar: Branthwaite watched

Behind the scenes, United are scoping centre-back options, with Jarrad Branthwaite on the radar as they plan a defensive refresh. That’s one for later. Right now, it’s about scraping together a fit back four and giving Onana more protection than he’s had in weeks.

Bottom line

United don’t need to be pretty at Fulham; they need to be pragmatic. If Shaw plays and Baleba adds late steel, Carrick’s side have enough to steady the ship. Anything less, and this rocky spell could turn into a full-blown crisis heading into the break.