Manchester United have received a potentially significant double fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham, with Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw both in contention.
Baleba has yet to make his United debut after completing a £70million summer move from Brighton. The midfielder suffered an ankle ligament injury during pre-season and had initially appeared more likely to return after the October international break.
Michael Carrick has now revealed that timeline could accelerate, with the 22-year-old having a chance of being involved at Craven Cottage.
Baleba closing in on Manchester United debut
Only three days after saying Baleba was approaching a return to full training, Carrick confirmed both the midfielder and Shaw could potentially feature against Fulham.
“They’ve got a chance,” Carrick said, although he added that he was “not totally 100% on either.”
Baleba’s availability would be particularly welcome after United invested heavily to rebuild Carrick’s midfield during the summer.
The former Brighton midfielder has been unable to contribute so far because of his ankle problem, but even a place among the substitutes against Fulham would represent an important step forward.
Shaw, meanwhile, has missed United’s last three matches since featuring in the 2-2 draw with Everton.
Carrick described the left-back’s problem as “really short term” and said the focus is now on getting him ready for Sunday.
Carrick keeps perspective after difficult start
The fitness boost arrives at an important moment for United.
Carrick’s side have collected four points from their opening four Premier League matches and were knocked out of the Carabao Cup following a 3-2 home defeat to Brighton.
Despite the disappointing results, Carrick rejected suggestions that United’s situation should be viewed as a crisis.
“It’s not a catastrophe or a disaster, it’s not the end of the world,” he said.
Carrick believes United have produced encouraging spells during matches which have been overshadowed by the results.
A victory at Fulham would provide a much-needed response, while the possible return of Shaw and long-awaited debut of Baleba could give Carrick additional options as he looks to turn United’s early-season form around.
Key points
- Carlos Baleba could make his Manchester United debut against Fulham.
- The £70million summer signing has been sidelined by an ankle ligament injury.
- Luke Shaw also has a chance of returning after missing United’s last three matches.
- Carrick says neither player is guaranteed to be available on Sunday.
- United have four points from their opening four Premier League matches.
What’s next?
United travel to Fulham on Sunday looking for a response after their Carabao Cup elimination against Brighton.
Baleba and Shaw will be assessed ahead of the game, with Carrick potentially receiving two important additions to his squad at Craven Cottage.
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