EPL Index
·1 de febrero de 2026
Manchester United Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup

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Yahoo sportsEPL Index
·1 de febrero de 2026

Manchester United are preparing for another key Premier League fixture as Fulham arrive at Old Trafford, with attention firmly focused on the club’s predicted lineup and injury latest. With momentum building under interim boss Michael Carrick, United are seeking a third consecutive league victory following high-profile wins over Manchester City and Arsenal.
However, selection decisions have been shaped by fresh fitness concerns, forcing adjustments in several key areas.
With squad depth being tested, this weekend’s fixture offers a revealing insight into how Manchester United intend to manage form, fatigue, and injuries during a demanding phase of the campaign.

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Manchester United are expected to line up in a familiar 4-2-3-1 system, with only minimal changes anticipated from recent victories. Andre Lammens is set to retain his place in goal after solid performances in recent outings.
In defence, Diogo Dalot is likely to continue at right-back, despite competition from Noussair Mazraoui. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez remain the preferred central pairing, offering a blend of aerial strength and ball progression. Luke Shaw is expected to start on the left.
Midfield stability remains a priority. Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo are forecast to continue as the double pivot, balancing defensive coverage with forward distribution. Their partnership has been central to United’s recent improvement in ball retention and counter-pressing.
Further forward, Amad Diallo is set to operate on the right flank, while Bruno Fernandes continues in the central attacking role. Matheus Cunha is pushing for a start on the left following his decisive contribution against Arsenal, with Bryan Mbeumo expected to lead the line.
Predicted XI: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo
The most significant blow for Manchester United is the absence of Patrick Dorgu, who is expected to miss around ten weeks with a hamstring injury. The winger had enjoyed a strong run of form, making his setback particularly disruptive to Carrick’s attacking plans.
Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable due to an ongoing back issue, with medical staff unwilling to rush his return. His absence limits defensive rotation options, increasing the workload on Maguire and Martinez.
Joshua Zirkzee has returned to training and remains a doubt. While he could feature from the bench, uncertainty around his fitness and future continues to cloud his involvement.
Carrick recently acknowledged the impact of Dorgu’s injury, describing it as “disappointing” after the player’s positive recent performances. United’s medical department will continue to monitor progress closely, particularly with a congested fixture list approaching.
One of Carrick’s main dilemmas concerns the left-wing position. Matheus Cunha’s recent form, highlighted by his winning goal against Arsenal, has strengthened his case to start ahead of Mason Mount. Cunha’s direct running and pressing intensity align closely with Carrick’s tactical preferences.
At right-back, Dalot remains first choice, though Mazraoui provides a viable alternative should rotation become necessary. In midfield, Casemiro’s experience continues to be valued alongside Mainoo’s emerging authority.
Up front, Bryan Mbeumo is expected to lead the line once again. His movement and pressing have created space for Fernandes and Amad to operate between the lines, contributing to United’s improved attacking cohesion.
With confidence growing after two major victories, Carrick is unlikely to introduce wholesale changes, preferring continuity over experimentation.
Manchester United’s recent resurgence has been built on defensive solidity, midfield control, and improved efficiency in front of goal. Back-to-back wins over City and Arsenal have restored belief within the squad and among supporters.
Maintaining that momentum against Fulham is crucial. Dropped points at Old Trafford would undermine recent progress and expose lingering inconsistencies. Squad management, particularly around injury recovery, will play a decisive role in sustaining form.
The absence of Dorgu and De Ligt places greater emphasis on squad discipline and tactical organisation. However, the emergence of Cunha and the continued influence of Fernandes provide optimism that United can maintain their attacking threat.
As the season enters a defining period, this fixture represents more than just three points. It is a test of Manchester United’s adaptability, depth, and long-term stability under Carrick’s guidance.









































