Carrick’s Reds Seek Response Against Fulham After Back-to-Back Defeats

Carrick’s Reds head south with questions to answer and a season to steady.

Back-to-back defeats at Old Trafford have cut through the early optimism. First came the storm against Manchester City, settled by an Erling Haaland strike that many inside the ground felt should never have stood. Then a Carabao Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday deepened the frustration and left Michael Carrick chasing a response, not just a result.

Now it’s Craven Cottage, a tight west London stage and a chance to sign off this difficult spell with something more convincing than apologies.

Memories of late drama

The last meeting with the Cottagers still crackles in the memory. In early February at Old Trafford, the Reds surged into a two-goal lead through Casemiro and Matheus Cunha, only to let Fulham claw their way back. Raul Jimenez struck, Kevin followed, and suddenly the mood turned anxious.

Then came Benjamin Šeško.

Deep into stoppage time, the forward snatched a dramatic winner, turning a near-collapse into a wild, cathartic three points. It was the kind of moment that can define a campaign. Right now, Carrick would settle for the same outcome, if not the same chaos.

The last trip to Craven Cottage came at the start of the 2025/26 league campaign, and it was no less strange. Leny Yoro thought he had his name on the scoresheet, only for the opener to be recorded as a Rodrigo Muniz own goal. Emile Smith Rowe wiped out that advantage, and Marco Silva’s side took a point that felt about right on the balance of play.

New man in the Fulham dugout

A lot has changed by the river since then. Alvaro Arbeloa is now the man in charge, stepping in after his spell as head coach at Real Madrid. The former Liverpool full-back walked into a rough start: three straight league defeats to open his tenure.

Then came Anfield.

On his return to his old home, Arbeloa’s Fulham dug in and emerged with a 0-0 draw that mattered far beyond the single point. It hinted at organisation, resilience, and a group starting to buy into a new voice.

Their cup form tells a similar story. The west Londoners have quietly moved into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, seeing off fellow capital sides AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United. They are not flying, but they are growing.

Team news: defensive boosts and a notable absentee

Carrick at least travels with better news at the back. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez could reunite at the heart of defence, a pairing that brings aerial strength, aggression, and a touch of calm that has been missing. Luke Shaw, sidelined for the last three games, is also in the frame to return and has made the trip.

Higher up the pitch, there are fresh sparks. Shea Lacey marked his first senior start with a goal against Brighton, an eye-catching way to announce himself in a side searching for inspiration. Mason Mount, handed his first start of the season in that same game, also found the net, a reminder of his timing and movement from midfield.

The longer-term absentees have been a problem, but there is a hint of light. Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte and Amad have all missed the start of the campaign. Carrick, though, offered a positive update on de Ligt and Baleba, both of whom have been included in the travelling squad. De Ligt, in particular, could even make his debut, adding heavyweight competition in central defence.

There is, however, one glaring omission. Match-winner in February and a key figure in attack, Benjamin Šeško has not travelled to London. For a side that has leaned on his late heroics before, his absence strips away a significant threat and shifts the burden onto others.

So the scene is set: a restless giant on a bruising run, a rebuilding Fulham edging into form, and a narrow ground by the Thames where momentum can swing quickly. Carrick does not just need a win. He needs a performance that says this season is still heading somewhere.