Carrick's Reds Seek Redemption at Fulham

Two straight defeats at Old Trafford have darkened the mood. The first, a bitter league loss to Manchester City decided by an Erling Haaland strike that many inside the ground felt should never have stood. The second, a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday that only deepened the frustration.

Now Michael Carrick’s side leave Manchester in search of a reset. Craven Cottage, and a meeting with the Cottagers in the capital, offers a final chance to sign off this opening spell of the season with something more hopeful than the last fortnight has provided.

Memories of Late Drama

The fixture carries fresh scars and fond memories in equal measure. Back in early February at Old Trafford, the Reds clung on, then exploded. Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had built what looked a comfortable two-goal cushion, only for Raul Jimenez and Kevin to drag the visitors level and flip the atmosphere on its head.

Then came Benjamin Šeško. Deep into stoppage time, he delivered a dramatic winner that turned a squandered lead into a thrilling three points and sent Old Trafford into chaos. Those are the kind of moments Carrick could use again right now.

Craven Cottage itself has already featured in the recent story of this squad. The last visit, on the opening away day of the 2025/26 league campaign, brought a scrappy draw. Leny Yoro thought he had claimed the first goal of the afternoon, only for it to be recorded as a Rodrigo Muniz own goal. Emile Smith Rowe wiped that advantage out, salvaging a point for Marco Silva’s side.

New Face in the Fulham Dugout

A lot has changed by the river since then. Alvaro Arbeloa, the former Liverpool full-back, now leads the Cottagers after his spell in charge at Real Madrid. His Premier League return started brutally, with three straight league defeats, but the early storm has eased slightly.

His goalless draw at Anfield last week, on his first return there as a manager, stood out. It wasn’t spectacular, but it was stubborn, disciplined, and significant for a side trying to steady itself.

Fulham’s mood has been helped by progress in the Carabao Cup. Wins over fellow London clubs AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United have pushed Arbeloa’s men into the fourth round and hinted at a team beginning to find its edge.

Team News: Defensive Reinforcements and a Missing Hero

Carrick at least travels south with better news at the back. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could reunite at the heart of defence, bolstering a unit that has looked stretched in recent weeks. Luke Shaw, absent from the last three matches, is also in contention and has been included with the travelling group.

There was a bright spark in midweek amid the cup disappointment. Shea Lacey marked his first senior start with a goal against Brighton, a sharp reminder that the pathway from academy to first team still runs strong. Mason Mount, making his first start of the season, also found the net, a timely contribution as he looks to reassert himself in Carrick’s plans.

The injury list has been a constant backdrop to the Reds’ stuttering start. Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte and Amad have all been missing since the campaign began. Carrick, though, has offered a more optimistic bulletin on de Ligt and Baleba, both of whom have travelled and could be involved, with de Ligt even eyeing a possible debut.

One notable absentee from the London-bound squad is Benjamin Šeško. The match-winner from February will not be available to reprise his role as late hero this time.

So the stage is set: a wounded giant, a reshaped Fulham under Arbeloa, and a tight riverside ground that rarely allows for quiet afternoons. For Carrick’s side, this isn’t just another away day. It’s a test of nerve, of depth, and of how quickly a season can be dragged back on course.