The prospect of a further three points and invaluable momentum is on offer for Manchester United on Sunday afternoon, with an intriguing outing against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Michael Carrick has enjoyed a fine start to his interim role, collecting impressive performances in back-to-back victories against Manchester City and Arsenal.
This much-needed shot of adrenaline has lifted the Reds into fourth place in the Premier League, four points ahead of Marco Silva’s men in seventh.
Although certain subsections of support are growing giddy at the sight of this new-look confidence throughout the squad, few will be taking a dangerous Fulham side lightly.
Furthermore, with the 1958 set to conduct its planned protest ahead of kickoff, the Londoners will be hoping that a tempestuous atmosphere could play into their hands.
But Carrick is focused on football, and his team, with a growing sense of harmony inside what has become a rather pleasant dressing room in recent months.
Manchester United team news for Fulham encounter
The Emirates’ performance sent a defining message across the country, with Bruno Fernandes and his teammates excelling against the league leaders.
Patrick Dorgu sent the travelling contingent into euphoria with a goal of the season contender, before later being withdrawn due to a hamstring issue.
Unfortunately, to the disgust of many, the in-form Danish international is now set for a prolonged layoff on the touchline.
“Pat [Dorgu] is going to be out for a period of time,” Carrick confirmed on Friday. “We’re still working through how long that’s going to be.
“He’s had such a good couple of weeks, and we weren’t sure if it was cramp or something more serious, but it looks more serious.
“Whether it’s a few weeks or more, we’re going to have to wait and see. Unfortunately, it’s something you have to work through in football.”
He joins Matthijs de Ligt on the physio table, with the Dutch defender continuing on the road to recovery following a back complaint.
Squad depth has been a notable plus point throughout the previous outings, and options have been further bolstered with the return of Joshua Zirkzee.
“Yeah, Josh is back training this week, which is good news,” the interim coach continued. “Obviously, first time… so he’s been out for a short amount of time, but first kind of training with us since we’ve been here, so that’s great to have Josh back.”
“Josh has just been trying to work and get fit around the group,” he later added, when quizzed about rumours of the player’s impending departure.
“He trained yesterday for the first time, and that’s as far as it goes with me and Josh – I’m looking forward to working with him, and nothing more needs to be said.”
With Aston Villa enduring a difficult midweek schedule before the weekend arrival of Brentford, United could close the gap to five points behind their Birmingham rivals with victory.
That said, Fulham have European aspirations of their own and have impressed this season, collecting a solitary defeat in their previous eight fixtures in all competitions.
Generally, the 20-time English champions have controlled Premier League affairs when the sides have met. Nonetheless, Silva’s men have left M16 victorious in two of their previous three trips.
It would be best to take nothing for granted on Sunday afternoon.
Predicted Manchester United starting XI: (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Bruno, Cunha; Mbeumo.
Protest Details – Sunday, February 1st at 13:00
For those attending the 1958 planned protest, there will be dual locations, with both groups to assemble at the Trinity.
Meeting Point A: Top of Sir Matt Busby Way/ Chester Road.
Meeting Point B: Outside Hotel Football.
You are asked to bring the heat, bring the noise, and bring your love for the football club. There may be a surprise on the day that reflects the dysfunctional, inept ownership.
Let us know your thoughts about the protest, the football, and anything else on your mind in the comments or across our socials.
Photo by operations@newsimages.co.uk via depositphotos.com.
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