Earlier this week, we previewed Fulham against Manchester United at Craven Cottage. The confirmed line-ups have now added the main selection twist: Luke Shaw is back after a minor muscular problem, Benjamin Šeško is absent from the starting XI after starting against Brighton, and Carlos Baleba is on the bench ahead of a possible debut.

United's selection changes

Michael Carrick has mostly kept the core of the side that started last weekend's Premier League defeat to Man City, with one notable alteration. Shaw's return matters because he has already made 3 appearances this season and logged 252 minutes, so this is a proper re-entry into the team rather than a token place on the bench.

Sesko's omission is the other clear move. He has made 4 appearances this season, and leaving him out after he started against Brighton is a noticeable call even this early in the campaign. Baleba waiting among the substitutes gives United another point of interest, with a debut still only a possibility at this stage.

Carrick said of the line-up to sportsmole.co.uk: "After making a wealth of changes in midweek, Michael Carrick has reverted to the team that started the Premier League defeat to Man City last weekend, with one notable alteration."

The fixture pressure at Craven Cottage

Fulham are still searching for their first top-flight win of the campaign, and they have made nine changes to their starting XI. Their recent league record reads D-L-L-W-D, which is a rough enough start for a home side trying to get the season moving.

United can climb into the top half above Chelsea on goal difference with a victory. Their recent league record is L-D-W-L-W, so this is still a side that has been patchy, even if the line-up at least gives them a cleaner look than the one that went to Man City.

The two clubs meet in Fulham vs Manchester United, and the immediate focus is squarely on Shaw's return, Sesko's absence and whether Baleba stays on the bench or gets his first run in a United shirt.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 1 outlet. How we work →