Carrick faces pressure test as United travel to winless Fulham with Shaw set to return

Michael Carrick is under mounting pressure heading into Manchester United’s Premier League visit to Fulham on Sunday, with the United head coach set to address the media after back-to-back defeats have left the club with just two wins from six games in all competitions this season.

United’s difficult week began with a loss in the Manchester derby before a 3-2 Carabao Cup exit at home to Brighton — a result made more painful by the fact United led 2-0 within ten minutes before surrendering their advantage and being booed off at Old Trafford. Their only victories so far have come against Ipswich Town in the Premier League and Sabah in the Champions League.

The one positive note ahead of the Fulham fixture is the expected return of Luke Shaw. The left-back has been absent for three matches in a row, a run during which United have won just once. Carlos Baleba, Amad, Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, and Tom Heaton are all expected to remain sidelined.

Fulham arrive at this fixture without a Premier League win of their own, though Alvaro Arbeloa’s side showed resilience in holding Liverpool to a goalless draw last weekend and claimed a 3-2 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham. For United, a defeat to a side yet to open their league account would represent a significant setback heading into a three-week international break.

Carrick’s press conference was scheduled for approximately 1:30pm, with the United manager expected to address the team’s form, his selection plans, and the growing scrutiny over the club’s early-season struggles.