Carrick: Baleba In Contention, Shaw Close for Man Utd

Michael Carrick has confirmed Carlos Baleba is in contention to feature this weekend after an ankle injury, while Luke Shaw is nearing a return. The Manchester United manager also dismissed talk of a crisis, insisting his side must "put things in perspective" ahead of the Fulham clash.

Competition: Premier League
Fixture: Manchester United vs Fulham
Baleba status: In contention after ankle problem
Shaw status: Short-term, working towards the game
United form: Four points from four Premier League matches
Midweek result: Home defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup

Injury and availability

Carlos Baleba has been sidelined with an ankle injury picked up in pre-season. Earlier in the week, Carrick suggested the midfielder was nearing a return to full training, with minutes after the international break seen as the target. Now, Baleba is in contention for this weekend.

Luke Shaw has missed the last three matches, having last featured in the 2-2 draw at Everton. Carrick described the issue as "really short term" and confirmed the left-back is working towards being involved this weekend.

What was said

"It is really short term [with Shaw] but it is just working towards the game."

— Michael Carrick on Luke Shaw's fitness

"We've got to put things in perspective: it's not a catastrophe or a disaster, it's not the end of the world, we've lost a couple of games recently."

— Michael Carrick on United's start

"We feel we've started and been in all the games we've played, if not being the better team at the start of games. We're not having a real struggle all the time."

— Michael Carrick on performances

"We've done a lot of good things, the belief comes from that. The good things we've done get lost in the surrounding feeling but they don't get lost by us."

— Michael Carrick on belief

Carrick's message is clear: the situation is not as dire as it is being portrayed. A return of four points from four Premier League matches is poor by United's standards, but the manager points to performances rather than results.

His tone is defiant but measured. He is not ignoring the noise, but he is refusing to let it dictate the mood inside the camp. With Baleba and Shaw potentially back, Carrick has a chance to back up his words with a stronger team selection.

The numbers

£70 million: The fee Manchester United paid to sign Carlos Baleba from Brighton in the summer.
Four points: United's total from their opening four Premier League matches.
Three matches: The number of games Luke Shaw has missed.
2-2: The score of Shaw's last appearance, at Everton.

Transfer details

Carlos Baleba arrived at Manchester United from Brighton in the summer for a fee of £70 million. The 22-year-old was signed to add energy, power and control to the midfield. An ankle problem sustained in pre-season has delayed his start to life at Old Trafford, but he is now in contention to make his mark.

Why Baleba's return matters for Carrick

Manchester United's midfield has lacked athleticism and drive in the opening weeks of the season. Carlos Baleba offers exactly that. At 22, he is not a finished product, but his ability to carry the ball and cover ground gives Carrick a different option in the middle. If he is fit enough to feature, he could start or at least provide a second-half injection of energy.

Luke Shaw's potential return is equally significant. The left-back's absence has forced Carrick to shuffle his defence, and Shaw's experience and quality on the ball are missed. His last outing ended in a 2-2 draw at Everton, and United have looked less assured without him.

Carrick is under pressure, but he is not panicking. He believes the performances have been better than results suggest. The challenge now is to turn those performances into points. Baleba and Shaw will help, but they cannot solve everything. The onus remains on the squad to deliver.

Talking points

Carrick says it is not a "catastrophe" — but four points from four games is a crisis by United's standards. Can he afford another poor result?
Baleba has not kicked a ball for United yet. Throwing a 22-year-old into a struggling team is a gamble, not a guaranteed fix.
Shaw's injury record is a concern. Even if he returns, can Carrick rely on him to stay fit for a sustained period?
The home defeat to Brighton in the Carabao Cup hurt more than a league loss. Does Carrick's positional security hinge on this Fulham match?

What happens next

Manchester United face Fulham in the Premier League this weekend. Carrick will assess Baleba and Shaw in training before finalising his squad. A win would relieve some pressure; anything less will intensify the scrutiny on the manager and his players.

Frequently asked questions

Is Carlos Baleba fit to play for Manchester United against Fulham?

Yes, Baleba is in contention for this weekend according to Michael Carrick. He has been out with an ankle injury but is now pushing for a place in the squad.

Is Luke Shaw available for Manchester United vs Fulham?

Shaw is close to a return, with Carrick describing it as "really short term" and confirming he is working towards the game. He has missed the last three matches.