Manchester United’s Dream Start Faces Fulham Test at Old Trafford

Carrick’s flying United welcome in-form Cottagers

Manchester United’s dream start under Michael Carrick continues to gather momentum, but another serious test awaits as an in-form Fulham side travel to Old Trafford.

Team news and form

United underlined their Premier League credentials last weekend by becoming the first team this season to win at leaders Arsenal, producing a dramatic comeback to claim a 3-2 victory late on. That result followed their win over Manchester City in Carrick’s first game in charge and extended United’s league unbeaten run to six matches (W3, D3) — the longest in the division ahead of this round — lifting them into the top four.

Carrick now has the chance to match the longest Premier League winning run achieved by his predecessor Ruben Amorim, and the signs are encouraging. United have lost just one of their last 10 home league matches (W6, D3, L1), giving them a strong platform to continue their upward trajectory.

Fulham, meanwhile, responded impressively to their defeat against Leeds by snatching a last-gasp winner against Brighton in the 92nd minute last weekend. That victory moved the Cottagers to within four points of United and capped an excellent run of form.

Marco Silva’s side have lost just one of their last eight competitive matches (W5, D2), recording their best eight-game points return in a single Premier League season (17 points). However, with that sole defeat coming in their most recent away game, Fulham may approach this trip with some caution.

Head-to-head

United have dominated this fixture in recent years, losing just one of the last 20 league meetings with Fulham (W15, D4). However, after a 1-1 draw earlier this season, Fulham will be aiming to avoid defeat in both league clashes with United in the same campaign for the first time since 2003/04.

Stats and trends

• Second halves have been the highest-scoring period in each of United’s last five matches.
  
• Both teams have scored in 17 of United’s 23 league games this season — the most in the division.
  
• Fulham have scored no more than once in each of their last four away matches.
  
• Fulham have conceded 10 goals between half-time and the 60th minute, more than any other side.
  

One to watch and absences

United forward Bryan Mbeumo has scored in both matches since returning from international duty, with all four of his goals at Old Trafford coming after the 55th minute.

For Fulham, Harry Wilson has been directly involved in 10 goals in his last 11 league matches (6 goals, 4 assists) after his superb free-kick against Brighton, but he is still searching for his first goal against United in nine league appearances.

United will be without in-form Patrick Dorgu, who suffered a hamstring injury against Arsenal and faces around 10 weeks out, while Fulham are also missing Saša Lukić with the same issue.