Manchester United have received a potentially important injury boost ahead of their Premier League trip to Fulham, with Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt travelling with the squad to London despite doubts over their fitness.
The trio’s surprise inclusion has created plenty of intrigue ahead of Sunday’s meeting at Craven Cottage, particularly because United have endured a difficult week.
Michael Carrick’s side were beaten 1–0 by Manchester City in the Manchester derby before suffering a dramatic 3–2 Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton, having led 2–0.
Now, United could potentially welcome three players back at precisely the moment when Carrick needs more options.
However, their presence in the travelling group does not guarantee that all three will make the matchday squad.
Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt Included
The biggest surprise was seeing Baleba, Shaw and De Ligt travel with United for the Fulham fixture.
According to UtdReport, all three were part of the 23-man travelling group heading to London. The report also noted that United had taken an additional squad member, suggesting that at least one player could still be ruled out after a final fitness assessment.
That makes Sunday’s team news particularly interesting.
Carrick had already confirmed that Baleba and Shaw had a chance of returning, although neither was considered completely certain to feature. Manchester United’s official website similarly reported that Carrick was hopeful over both players but said they were “not totally 100 per cent yet.”
For United supporters, the next few hours could therefore determine whether the injury situation suddenly looks considerably healthier.
Baleba Could Provide a Major Midfield Boost
Baleba’s possible return is especially significant because the Cameroonian midfielder has yet to make his Manchester United debut.
The 22-year-old completed his move from Brighton during August but arrived while recovering from an injury suffered during pre-season. His rehabilitation was initially expected to keep him out until after the international break.
His appearance in the travelling group therefore represents a change in expectations.
The midfielder could potentially give Carrick another physical and defensive option in the centre of the pitch, although throwing him straight into a Premier League match after a lengthy absence would still represent a significant decision.
Manchester United’s official coverage has highlighted Baleba’s progress in training, with the club recently reporting that he was closing in on a return to fitness.
Why His Return Matters
United have already been forced to manage several midfield issues this season.
Manuel Ugarte remains unavailable after his knee problem, while the club’s midfield has undergone considerable change during the summer.
Adding Baleba to the group would therefore increase Carrick’s options.
However, the manager will also have to consider whether the player’s fitness level is sufficient for competitive action.
A place in the squad is one thing. Being ready for Premier League intensity is another.
Luke Shaw Could Solve a Problem Position
Luke Shaw’s potential return could be equally important.
The England international has missed United’s last three matches because of a fitness issue, and his absence has left Carrick searching for consistency at left-back.
Patrick Dorgu and Noussair Mazraoui have both been used in the position, but UtdReport noted that neither had completely convinced in the most recent outings.
Shaw’s experience could therefore provide some stability.
Carrick confirmed before the match that Shaw’s issue was relatively short-term and that the club was working towards getting him ready for Fulham.
That does not mean Shaw is guaranteed to start.
United may decide that a place on the bench represents the safer option after his recent absence.
Matthijs de Ligt Is the Biggest Surprise
If Baleba’s inclusion is encouraging, De Ligt’s presence is arguably the biggest surprise.
The Dutch centre-back has been out for a prolonged period and has not featured since November, according to UtdReport. His return would provide another experienced option for a Manchester United defence that has conceded too many goals during a difficult opening period.
United still have several centre-back options, including Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martínez, Leny Yoro and Ayden Heaven.
But De Ligt’s experience could still be valuable.
His physical condition is the major question.
A player returning after such a long absence cannot simply be assumed to be ready for 90 minutes of Premier League football.
That is why the late fitness assessment becomes so important.
Extra Squad Member Creates Another Clue
One of the most interesting details in the UtdReport report is the size of United’s travelling squad.
The club reportedly took 23 players to London, which is one more than the number that can normally be selected for the matchday group.
That has led to the suggestion that someone could still be removed from the final squad after a late fitness decision. UtdReport cited Manchester United correspondent Samuel Luckhurst, who pointed to the unusual travelling arrangement involving Shaw, De Ligt and Baleba.
It means the three players may have travelled partly as a precaution.
Being on the train to London is therefore not the same as being medically cleared to play.
Manchester United Need Reinforcements After a Difficult Week
The timing of the potential returns could hardly be more important.
United have lost their last two matches across competitions.
The derby defeat against Manchester City was followed by an extraordinary Carabao Cup collapse against Brighton, who overturned a 2–0 deficit to win 3–2.
Carrick has also faced questions about his position, although he has dismissed speculation about his future and insisted his focus remains on improving performances and finding solutions. Reuters reported that the United manager acknowledged responsibility for the team’s problems while maintaining that his priority was getting results back on track.
That makes the Fulham match an important opportunity for United to respond.
The return of experienced players could help, but Carrick will still have to decide how much responsibility to give them.
Benjamin Sesko’s Absence Adds Another Concern
While three players were travelling, Benjamin Sesko was reportedly not part of the group heading to London.
The striker has been dealing with fitness concerns after missing pre-season, and his absence creates another selection issue for Carrick.
United therefore face an unusual situation.
They may regain three players while potentially losing another.
That makes the final team selection difficult to predict until the medical checks are complete.
What It Means for the Fulham Match
United entered the weekend sitting 13th in the Premier League with four points from four matches, while Fulham were 18th with one point after four games.
For Cambodian football fans following the Premier League, this is a fascinating moment for United.
The club has considerable attacking talent, but the recent results have highlighted problems with defensive consistency, midfield balance and squad availability.
Adding Baleba, Shaw and De Ligt to the equation could give Carrick more tactical flexibility.
But the manager must also avoid rushing players back simply because the team needs them.
The Fitness Tests Come First
The central story is therefore not that three players are definitely returning.
It is that three important players have moved closer to contention.
Baleba could make his long-awaited debut.
Shaw could return to strengthen the left side.
De Ligt could provide defensive experience after a lengthy spell away.
But each case depends on fitness.
And with United already taking an extra player to London, the final decisions could come very late.
The Bottom Line
Manchester United’s surprise travelling squad has created a significant subplot ahead of the Fulham match.
Carlos Baleba, Luke Shaw and Matthijs de Ligt have all travelled, giving Carrick a potential triple injury boost. However, the presence of an extra squad member suggests at least one player could still miss out after a late fitness assessment.
Baleba’s potential debut would give United another midfield option, Shaw’s return could address an area of concern at left-back, while De Ligt’s availability would strengthen a defence that has struggled for consistency.
For now, though, United supporters will have to wait.
The travelling squad has provided optimism — but the final medical checks will determine how much of that optimism can actually become matchday reality.
For Manchester United, after a difficult week, even three potential returns could make a significant difference.
