Michael Carrick will be desperate for a response from his Manchester United side when the club returns to Premier League action against Fulham on September 20.

Defensive Struggles Hindering Fulham’s Progress

Alvaro Arbeloa has endured a challenging start to his reign at Fulham, as the Cottagers still await their first league win of the campaign.

Domestic cup wins over AFC Wimbledon and West Ham will build confidence, while a recent 0-0 draw against Liverpool showed defensive improvement after they previously allowed seven goals in their opening three EPL fixtures. But that area of the field remains a weakness, as Fulham have allowed five goals in three in all competitions.

Josh King has been the team's standout player so far this season, scoring twice in five appearances. Ryan Sessegnon and Tom Cairney will be unavailable due to injury this weekend.

Fulham predicted lineup vs Manchester United (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Charles, Lukic; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Garcia

Pressure Intensifying on Carrick

Pressure has already begun to mount on Michael Carrick, as Manchester United have endured a challenging start to the new season. Domestically, the Red Devils have won just once in five fixtures, and they have suffered damaging back-to-back losses to Manchester City and Brighton this week.

The defeat against the latter was an embarrassment for Carrick, as it was the first time in over 50 years that United had thrown away a two-goal advantage to lose at Old Trafford. Bruno Fernandes hasn’t been very influential so far, and he has failed to score or assist in three of four appearances.

Benjamin Sesko is in line to start after scoring twice in four games. Matthijs de Ligt, Luke Shaw, Carlos Baleba, and Amad Diallo are all unavailable this weekend.

Manchester United predicted lineup vs Fulham (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Dorgu; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Rashford; Sesko

Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction

  • Safe Tip: Both Teams to Score
  • Odds: 1.49 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: ZQBKZ
  • Correct score prediction: Fulham 2-1 Manchester United

Key stats:

  • BTTS has been a winning selection in the last three head-to-head encounters.
  • Man United have failed to keep a clean sheet in five domestic fixtures in 2026-27.
  • Fulham have scored at least once in four of their last six matches.

The weak defensive records of these two teams make BTTS a strong option. Man United may have scored 13 goals in their last five fixtures, but their defensive weakness is a serious limitation. The Red Devils have failed to keep a clean sheet in five domestic outings this season, and they have allowed at least two goals in four of their previous six.

Despite sitting in the bottom three, Fulham have caught the eye offensively, scoring at least once in four of their last six, and netting at least twice in two of their previous three.

BTTS has also been a winning selection in each of the latest three head-to-heads.

Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction, Value Tip

  • Value Tip: Double Chance: Fulham and Draw
  • Odds: 1.838 (22Bet)
  • 22Bet Booking Code: CQFKZ

Manchester United have been incredibly vulnerable this season under Carrick, having already lost to Hull, Man City, and Brighton in all competitions.

There is clear value in backing Fulham and the draw in the double chance market this weekend. The Cottagers were excellent defensively in a recent 0-0 draw to Liverpool, and they've already shown their attacking threat by scoring twice against Chelsea, Crystal Palace, and West Ham.

The selection’s chances are strengthened by the fact that Fulham have avoided defeat in three of their last six head-to-heads against United.

Verdict: Both Teams to Score (1.49) — Fulham 2-1 Manchester United