premier league,
fifth round
fulham
complete
September 20, 2026
16:30
Manchester United
Model United Nations
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site
- Craven Cottage
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referee
- Peter Banks
Fulham VS Manchester United Preview
Michael Carrick insists there is no sense of crisis at Manchester United after a miserable week involving two home defeats.
Last Sunday, United lost 1-0 to derby rivals Manchester City despite playing much of the game with a man advantage after Phil Foden was sent off in the first half.
This was followed by a 3-2 win over Brighton in the League Cup. It was United’s first defeat since 1976 after leading 2-0 at Old Trafford.
These results inevitably increase the pressure on Carrick, who worked wonders under Ruben Amorim last season to guide United into the Champions League.
But the former England midfielder called for calm ahead of Sunday’s game against Fulham.
“We have to put things in perspective, this is not a catastrophe or a catastrophe, this is not the end of the world. We are not in a situation where we are going to suffer dire consequences in the long term,” he said.
“We’ve lost a few games recently. We feel like we’ve started and been involved in all the games we’ve played and we haven’t been really struggling. We’ve done a lot of good things and that’s where the belief comes from. The good things we do get lost in the feeling around them, but they don’t get lost in us.”
Carrick was quick to take responsibility for the recent decline.
He added: “That’s why I’m here. It’s my responsibility and I’m happy with it. It’s not a blame game. We always look for things to look at and find things to blame and sometimes it becomes too much.
“Blame it on me, no problem, I’ll take responsibility, but it’s not about blaming others. It’s about finding solutions. It’s a collective thing. It’s about what you really focus on. I’m more than happy to take responsibility. No problem, it doesn’t bother me. I know where we want to go and we want to get there quickly.”
However, Carrick was quick to drop the rubbish suggestion that he needed to show more emotion.
“Do I need to show more emotion? In what way? What do you want me to show?” His hair stood on end.
Carrick’s Fulham counterpart Alvaro Arbeloa is also under scrutiny, with his side third from bottom in the Premier League despite picking up their first point in an impressive 0-0 draw with Liverpool last weekend.
The former Real Madrid boss said: “Every Premier League manager is under pressure, it’s the same for every coach, and it’s not because [of] Things that come from the outside because you have to have real demands on yourself.
“All managers, we want to win every weekend, and of course when you’re the manager of a big team you’re always under pressure, but it’s the same for me because I need to win games. I think both teams want to win on Sunday, so it’s going to be a good battle.”
Premier League standings
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Location 1, 2, 3, 4: Promotion – Champions League (League Stage)
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Location 5 : Promotion – Europa League (League Stage)
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Location 18, 19, 20: Relegated – Champions
Fulham v Manchester United team news
Fulham will be without Kenny Tait as he undergoes concussion treatment. Veteran midfielder Tom Cairney is out.
Carlos Baleba is likely to make his United debut on the bench while Luke Shaw works his way back to fitness. Carrick will recall his key players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, after making changes against Brighton.
Matthijs de Ligt, Amad Diallo and Manuel Ugarte are still watching from the sidelines.
Fulham’s predicted lineup for Manchester United
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Afenrubel, Brazil, Robinson; Berg, Iwobi, Charles, Bobb, King; Garcia
Manchester United: Lamence; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Dolgu; Tielemans, Mainu, Mbemo, Fernandez, Cunha, Sesco
Fulham vs Manchester United recent form and statistics
- In the Carabao Cup in midweek, Manchester United lost a two-goal lead at home to Brighton. It was the first time since 1976 that the Red Devils had conceded a two-goal advantage at Old Trafford and lost.
- United have lost just once in their last 21 Premier League games against Fulham, a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in February 2024
- Since winning back-to-back games at Craven Cottage in 2009, Fulham are winless in their last 10 home games against Manchester United in the Premier League (D2, L8).
- Fulham’s offense will be toothless in 2026. Fulham have failed to score in 10 Premier League games in 2026, more than any other team
Where to watch Fulham vs Manchester United: TV and online streaming
Kick-off is at Craven Cottage on Sunday at 4.30pm (BST). The match is shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. You can stream on the Sky Go app.
For global broadcast details see Premierleague.com.
Fulham vs Manchester United predictions
While there won’t be much content, United have more players capable of producing magic moments.
Fernandes or Marcus Rashford are expected to be the match-winners.
fulham
0 – 1
Manchester United