Luke Shaw, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt all travel for Fulham trip as Benjamin Sesko misses out

Manchester United have received a timely injury boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday. Luke Shaw, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt have all travelled with the squad, but Benjamin Sesko is absent with an injury concern.

  • Fixture: Fulham vs Manchester United
  • Venue: Craven Cottage
  • Competition: Premier League
  • Date: Sunday
  • Headline: Shaw, Baleba and De Ligt travel; Sesko misses out
  • At stake: Michael Carrick needs a result with United 13th in the table

Injury and availability

Luke Shaw has missed the last three matches, including the defeat in the Manchester derby and the Carabao Cup exit against Brighton. He has travelled with the squad and is in contention to return at left-back.

Carlos Baleba is yet to make his Manchester United debut after arriving with an ankle issue. The injury was never considered serious enough to halt the move, but it has delayed his first appearance. He has now travelled and could finally feature against Fulham.

Matthijs de Ligt has been out since November with a persistent back problem and has not played at all this year. His inclusion in the squad suggests that wait may finally be over, and United could use his presence at the back.

Benjamin Sesko has not travelled because of an injury concern, leaving Carrick light in attack. That opens the door for Matheus Cunha to lead the line again.

Analysis: Why Shaw's return changes United's shape

Michael Carrick has been forced to improvise at left-back in recent weeks, with Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui both used to cover. Shaw's return matters because he brings experience, structure and a natural fit in that role. He played every Premier League game for United last season, and his presence allows the defence to function as designed rather than patched together.

Baleba's potential debut addresses a different problem: United's lack of control in midfield. His ankle issue delayed his first appearance, but with him in the squad, Carrick finally has a specialist option to stabilise the centre of the park. De Ligt's return would add further solidity at the back, though his long absence since November means he is unlikely to be rushed straight into the starting XI.

Up front, Sesko's absence is a blow. Cunha is expected to lead the line again, but United's attacking depth is stretched. Carrick needs points, and quickly. The returns give him options, but the league position and recent form tell the real story.

Talking points

  • Should Carrick throw Baleba straight into the starting XI, or ease him in from the bench given his lack of match fitness?
  • Is Shaw's return enough to fix United's defensive problems, or does the midfield need more protection?
  • With Sesko out, can Cunha provide the goals United need to climb the table?
  • Does De Ligt's inclusion signal a permanent return, or is he only fit enough for a substitute role?

What happens next

United travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday knowing that anything less than a win will intensify the pressure on Carrick. The returns of Shaw, Baleba and De Ligt offer hope, but the result will define the mood at Old Trafford heading into the next international break.

Frequently asked questions

Is Luke Shaw fit to face Fulham?

Yes, Shaw has travelled with the squad after missing the last three matches, including the Manchester derby and the Carabao Cup exit against Brighton.

Will Carlos Baleba make his Manchester United debut against Fulham?

Baleba has travelled and could finally feature, having arrived with an ankle issue that delayed his first appearance.

Why is Benjamin Sesko missing for Manchester United?

Sesko has not travelled because of an injury concern, leaving Carrick light in attack.

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