Manchester United Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United Team News vs Fulham: Shaw, Baleba and De Ligt in Frame

Manchester United head to Craven Cottage with a familiar problem, injuries, and a slightly less familiar one, a squad that still looks unsettled from one game to the next. The good news for Michael Carrick is that three senior players could return for the Premier League meeting with Fulham.

Luke Shaw is back in the travelling squad after missing the last three matches in all competitions. The left-back picked up a knock in the 2-2 draw with Everton and was absent again in the 3-2 defeat at home to Brighton. His inclusion for the trip to London matters, even if it does not guarantee a start. Carrick has not closed the door on Shaw featuring, but caution remains the obvious theme.

Photo: IMAGO

Luke Shaw boost for Manchester United

If Shaw is not ready from the start, Patrick Dorgu looks the practical alternative at left-back. He was rested in midweek, which usually tells you what the manager is thinking. Noussair Mazraoui remains another option, but the signs point towards Dorgu if Shaw falls short.

United also expect Bruno Fernandes to return to the midfield setup. His last league visit to Fulham brought little joy, a 1-1 draw, a missed first-half penalty and one of those moments that linger for the wrong reasons. That will not affect selection now. He comes straight back in because he has to. United still depend on him for control, tempo and chances.

Kobbie Mainoo should also be restored after being managed against Brighton, with Andrey Santos likely to make way. This is standard squad rotation, not a grand tactical rethink.

Fulham clash comes too soon for Sesko

Benjamin Sesko will not be involved. Supporters noticed he was missing as the squad prepared to travel south, and that tells its own story. There is still no firm word on the nature of the problem or how long he may be out. Either way, he did little in the cup defeat to Brighton to make himself undroppable.

That leaves Matheus Cunha set to lead the line again. It is the simple call and probably the right one.

Baleba and De Ligt add depth

There is also a chance of a first appearance for Carlos Baleba, who travelled with the squad and is in contention. Matthijs de Ligt is back in the frame too after a long absence with a back injury, his first involvement since November last year. Even limited minutes would count as progress.

For United, this is not about grand statements. It is about getting competent players back on the pitch and finding some stability.

Predicted Manchester United XI

Lammens, Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw, Mainoo, Tielemans, Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford, Cunha

Injured: Amad, Ugarte, Heaton, Sesko

Doubts: Shaw, Baleba, De Ligt

Kick-off is at 4.30pm BST on Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Craven Cottage.