Carrick’s Reds Seek Response at Craven Cottage
Two straight defeats at Old Trafford have darkened the mood. One felt like a robbery, the other like a setback that cut a little deeper. Now Michael Carrick takes his side to west London knowing this trip to Craven Cottage has to steady the season.
The loss to Manchester City still stings. Erling Haaland’s winner, which many argued should have been ruled out, left a bitter taste. Brighton & Hove Albion then twisted the knife, knocking the Reds out of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday. The performance, not just the result, raised questions.
So this game against the Cottagers comes with an edge. After a stuttering start to the campaign, Carrick’s men are desperate to sign off this phase of the season with something convincing, something that looks like a turning point rather than another false dawn.
Memories of Late Drama
There are good memories to lean on. Back in early February at Old Trafford, the same opponents were beaten in chaotic, breathless fashion. Casemiro and Matheus Cunha had seemingly put the hosts in control with a two-goal cushion. That comfort evaporated. Raul Jimenez struck, Kevin followed, and suddenly the stadium was tight with tension.
Then came Benjamin Šeško. Deep into stoppage time, he delivered a dramatic winner that ripped the noise out of the away end and sent Old Trafford wild. A thrilling three points, rescued at the death.
Šeško will not reprise that role this time. He was not among the group that travelled to London, a notable absentee for a side that has leaned on his late-game presence before.
Craven Cottage Revisited
The last visit to Craven Cottage came at the start of the 2025/26 league campaign, the first away assignment of that season. Leny Yoro thought he had opened his account, only for the goal to be recorded as an own goal by Rodrigo Muniz. It felt like a platform to push on, but the hosts dug in.
Emile Smith Rowe found the equaliser, and Marco Silva’s Fulham clawed their way to a point. A reminder that Craven Cottage, for all its charm, rarely hands out easy afternoons.
This time, the home dugout has a new figure.
Arbeloa’s New Era
Alvaro Arbeloa has stepped in as head coach of the Cottagers after his spell in charge at Real Madrid. The former Liverpool full-back walked into a difficult start: three league defeats in his opening three games. Harsh lessons, fast.
Then came Anfield. On his return to his old home, Arbeloa’s side dug out a 0-0 draw that felt bigger than a single point. It was organised, stubborn, and hinted at a team starting to find its shape under new guidance.
Their cup form tells a similar story of quiet progress. Wins over fellow London clubs AFC Wimbledon and West Ham United have carried Fulham into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, momentum that adds a layer of confidence ahead of the Reds’ visit.
Team News: Reinforcements and Returns
Carrick’s defensive options could finally thicken. Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez are in contention to return at the heart of the back line, a potential boost for a team that has looked fragile in key moments. Luke Shaw, who has missed the last three outings, may also be fit enough to feature, offering balance and experience on the left.
There was at least one bright spark in the Brighton defeat. Shea Lacey marked his first senior start with a goal, a sharp reminder that the academy conveyor belt still delivers. Mason Mount also found the net on his first start of the season, another piece of encouragement in an otherwise disappointing night.
The injury list has been a recurring theme. Matthijs de Ligt, Carlos Baleba, Manuel Ugarte and Amad have all sat out the opening stretch. Carrick, though, has delivered a more upbeat bulletin on de Ligt and Baleba. Both travelled with the squad, and there is a genuine chance one of them steps onto the pitch for a debut. Their presence alone hints at a squad slowly coming back together.
No Šeško in London, but possibly de Ligt, Baleba and a fit-again Shaw. A reshaped back line, a flicker of freshness in midfield, and a manager under pressure to knit it all into a performance.
The setting is familiar, the stakes feel higher. Craven Cottage will not decide a season, but for Carrick and his players, it could say a lot about where this one is really heading.
