Shaw, De Ligt and Baleba travel as Sesko misses Manchester United squad for Fulham

Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday for a Premier League meeting with Fulham, with manager Michael Carrick boosted by the availability of Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Carlos Baleba — all three making the train journey from Stockport to London with the squad.

The positive news on that trio is tempered by the absence of Benjamin Sesko, who did not travel with the group, casting doubt over his involvement in the fixture. Carrick, however, has previously shown a willingness to operate without a recognised striker, so Sesko’s potential absence may not force a significant tactical shift.

When asked about Shaw and Baleba ahead of the game, Carrick was cautious but optimistic. “There’s kind of a chance with both of them,” he said. “Don’t know totally 100% yet. It’s short-term [with Shaw], we’re just working toward the game.”

United arrive at Fulham under pressure after a difficult week that included a defeat in the Manchester derby and an early Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton in the third round. A win on Sunday is seen as essential to arrest the slide.

Carrick named a 22-man squad for the trip, with Altay Bayindir’s absence notable among the goalkeepers. The full confirmed group is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Mee

Defenders: Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro, Shaw, Dorgu, Mazraoui, Heaven, Martinez, Dalot

Midfielders: Fernandes, Tielemans, Mount, Mainoo, Santos

Attackers: Lacey, Rashford, Mbeumo, Zirkzee, Cunha