manchester United have issued a fresh set of injury updates that complicate Michael carrick’s team selection ahead of Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham: Marcus Rashford was taken off against Everton after feeling “a bit of something”, while Carrick said Carlos Baleba and Luke Shaw were only partial chances to be involved.
- Marcus Rashford was withdrawn vs Everton after feeling "a bit of something" (manchester Evening News).
- Michael Carrick said Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba had 'a chance' but were 'not totally 100%' fit (reported by Yahoo Sports/Sports Yahoo).
- No official return dates or specific medical diagnoses were provided in the cited reports; final squad lists will confirm availability.
What the club has confirmed
Manager Michael Carrick revealed after the 2-2 draw with Everton that Marcus Rashford was withdrawn because he was “feeling a bit of something“. That detail about Rashford’s substitution comes from the manchester Evening News match report and post-match coverage of the Everton game.
Carrick also gave a short injury bulletin in the build-up to the Fulham match indicating that both Luke Shaw and new signing Carlos Baleba could be available but were “not totally 100%”. Multiple reports summarising the manager’s press conference repeat the same wording: there is “a chance” for both, but neither is certain to start.
Why this matters for Carrick and United
- Squad choices: Rashford’s late withdrawal against Everton and the uncertainty around Shaw and Baleba leave Carrick with limited, partly untested options at left wing and left-back for the trip to Craven Cottage. Reports discussing a predicted XI note Patrick Dorgu as a likely left-back option if Shaw is not risked.
- Fixture context: The updates arrive with United carrying low points from the opening weeks of the Premier League season, increasing pressure on Carrick to pick a side that can deliver results. Previews of the Fulham game describe it as a potentially important fixture for the visitors.
- Match rhythm: Rashford started the Everton match and was described as having looked “sharp” before being withdrawn, per Carrick’s comments as reported. That suggests Carrick was managing a short-term issue rather than replacing a clearly ruled-out player, but the manager’s language implies caution.
Confirmed facts versus reported possibilities
- Confirmed: Rashford was substituted against Everton because he was “feeling a bit of something” (manchester Evening News).
- Reported/manager update: Carrick said there was “a chance” for Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba to be available for the Fulham trip but that neither was “totally 100%” (reports of Carrick’s press conference reproduced by Yahoo Sports and Sports Yahoo).
- Not confirmed: Any specific diagnosis, expected absence length, training setbacks, or guaranteed inclusion in the Fulham squad. No official return dates were provided in these reports.
How outlets are projecting the line-up
Analysts using Carrick’s comments to forecast a starting XI against Fulham suggest Patrick Dorgu could start at left-back if Shaw is not risked. Several match previews and predicted-XI pieces also assume Baleba is unlikely to start unless Carrick specifically clears him.
What comes next
- Final team news ahead of kick-off: Carrick’s full matchday squad and starting XI will be confirmed in the traditional pre-match announcements and press notes; those will provide the clearest picture of who is fully fit to play.
- Monitoring Rashford: Because Rashford was removed for a short-term issue rather than being described as out, his availability will depend on how he responds to treatment between now and kick-off. The club statement reported did not indicate a longer-term problem.
- Baleba and Shaw recovery: Carrick’s phrasing—”a chance” but “not totally 100%”—means both remain in contention but cautious selection is likely. If either is left out, United are expected to use youth or rotation options already used earlier in the season.
Timeline of the latest developments (evidence-based)
- Matchday vs Everton: Marcus Rashford starts but is substituted around 20 minutes from time after feeling “a bit of something” (Manchester Evening News).
- Post-Everton press and pre-Fulham presser: Carrick gives short-term updates on Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba, saying both have a chance but are not fully fit (reported by Yahoo Sports/Sports Yahoo).
- Predicted XI pieces after the presser: Media outlets synthesise Carrick’s wording to propose likely selections for the Fulham game, including the possibility of Patrick Dorgu at left-back.
Practical implications for fans and fantasy managers
Supporters and fantasy players should treat Rashford as doubtful until United confirm the squad list on matchday, and avoid assuming Baleba or Shaw will start. Media-predicted XIs are useful guides but not definitive: Carrick’s own phrasing emphasises caution rather than giving firm availabilities.
Bottom line
Manchester United’s latest injury news is short on definitive return dates but clear that Carrick is managing a cluster of minor concerns ahead of Fulham: Rashford was removed from the Everton game because he felt “a bit of something”, and Shaw and Baleba were described as only partial chances to feature. Those facts increase selection uncertainty and maintain the spotlight on Carrick as he prepares his side for a fixture described in previews as important.