Shaw and Diallo Return to United's Fight for Fulham

The air in the Carrington training complex feels heavy with the weight of recent failures. Manchester United’s season has slipped into a chaotic rhythm, defined by lost control and fragile confidence. The 3-2 home loss to Brighton in the Carabao Cup remains a stark reminder of these structural issues, a match where early leads dissolved into defeat. Michael Carrick, in his first full campaign as permanent manager, faces a pressure that is loud and deserved. The team lacks the necessary bodies to maintain structure, leaving them stretched thin and vulnerable to counter-attacks.

The broader context is difficult to ignore. Defeats to Manchester City and Hull, along with a late slip at Everton, have darkened the mood despite wins over Ipswich and Sabah FK. The noise surrounding JJ Gabriel’s desire to leave adds a layer of distraction. Now, the trip to Fulham carries more significance than a typical September fixture. United need results to reset their trajectory, but they also need players back on the pitch to execute the plan.

Shaw Offers Immediate Tactical Hope

Luke Shaw is the closest of the notable absentees to rejoining the squad. He has missed the last three matches with an unspecified issue, a gap that has left United lacking balance on the left flank. Carrick’s recent comments suggest a return is imminent, describing the situation as a matter of days rather than weeks. Shaw provides a natural outlet and control in build-up, qualities the team currently lacks. Without him, United are too easily stretched, struggling to maintain possession when the game becomes fast-paced.

Amad Diallo presents a different timeline. His ankle injury, sustained in training before the opening match at Hull, has kept him out for the entire season. For a side short on one-v-one quality and movement in the final third, his absence is a significant handicap. Carrick’s update was cautious, indicating that Diallo is not yet close to full fitness. The realistic target for his return appears to be the match against Tottenham after the international break. United need his unpredictability to break down organized defenses.

Midfielders Edge Towards October Returns

Carlos Baleba, a £70 million signing from Brighton, is still finding his footing. He arrived with an ankle ligament injury sustained in pre-season against Strasbourg, meaning his reunion with his former club came too soon. There is encouraging news, however, as he has resumed outdoor work at Carrington. Carrick suggests a return within two to three weeks is possible, but match sharpness cannot be rushed. Fulham is likely too early for Baleba, but a return for the Tottenham fixture looks plausible.

Baleba could change the feel of United’s midfield quickly. He covers ground, carries the ball, and provides athletic presence, all of which are missing in the current setup. Brighton exposed United’s vulnerability when games become stretched, a weakness that Baleba’s dynamism could help mitigate. His return would add a layer of energy and control that the team currently lacks.

De Ligt’s Long Road Back

Matthijs de Ligt remains in a similar bracket to Baleba in terms of timeline, though his recovery has been far more protracted. He has not played for United since November 2025 after aggravating a lower back injury against Crystal Palace. What was initially downplayed turned out to be serious enough for surgery in May, costing him a place at the World Cup with the Netherlands. He is now working towards full fitness, but the path back is long and uncertain.

As reported by Yahoo Sports, the injury list is a critical factor in United’s current struggles. The return of these key players will be vital in the coming weeks. Carrick needs bodies on the pitch to implement his tactical vision and stabilize the team. The next few matches will test the depth and resilience of the squad, with the potential returns of Shaw, Diallo, and Baleba offering a glimmer of hope for a turnaround.