United arrive in southwest London after a 0‑0 draw with Everton, a 2‑1 defeat to Manchester City and a 3‑2 loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup, a match in which they surrendered a two‑goal lead at Old Trafford.
The defeat to Brighton marked United’s second early‑season cup exit under Carrick, who replaced the coach responsible for last season’s infamous Grimsby Town shoot‑out loss but has yet to deliver a trophy.
Carrick, appointed permanently over the summer, has overseen significant summer spending but now faces questions about his suitability as the club’s results have stalled.
United will be without several key figures: centre‑back Matthijs de Ligt and left‑back Luke Shaw are pushing to be fit, while forward Benjamin Sesko is listed as absent, joining Amad Diallo, Manu Ugarte and goalkeeper Tom Heaton on the treatment table.
Carlos Baleba could make his United debut if cleared to travel, offering Carrick an additional option in midfield for the match.
Fulham, managed by Alvaro Arbeloa, have yet to secure a league win under their new boss but entered the game on the back of a 2‑2 draw with Liverpool and a dramatic Carabao Cup third‑round victory over West Ham earlier in the week.
The Cottagers will be missing veteran midfielder Tom Cairney, who is sidelined after knee surgery, while defender Kenny Tete remains out with a concussion and Ryan Sessegnon faces a late fitness test.
Both sides will be looking to use the result to build momentum ahead of the upcoming international break, with United hoping to restore confidence and Fulham aiming to add further misery to their travelling opponents.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Premier League from 4 pm BST, with a 4.30 pm BST kick‑off.