Man Utd predicted XI vs Fulham: ‘Brilliant’ star to return to starting lineup

Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick will be forced to make a change to his starting lineup against Fulham, as Matheus Cunha is expected to get the nod.The 44-year-old tactician has been enjoying a dream start to his interim tenure. Even the most optimistic United supporters wouldn’t have expected him to collect a full grade against the two strongest teams in the league.The Red Devils utterly outplayed their neighbours, Man City, in the Derby as Carrick made his bow at Old Trafford, before snatching a dramatic win over Arsenal at the Emirates.The former midfielder had undoubtedly kept his starting lineup intact after beating the Cityzens on his debut, but he now finds himself forced to make a change after losing Patrick Dorgu to what could be a serious injury.Matheus Cunha the favourite to replace injured Patrick DorguDorgu is originally a left-back, but Carrick fielded him as a left winger, to great effect. The young Dane scored on both occasions.The 21-year-old’s absence could give the English manager a big dilemma, with several Man Utd stars considered suitable for the role. Cunha’s stats in 25/26 Appearances (Starts) Goals Assists Premier League 20 (16) 5 2 FA Cup 1 (1) 0 0 Carabao Cup 1 (1) 0 0 Total 22 (18) 5 2 Nevertheless, Cunha remains the most natural choice, and arguably the most deserving, following his exploits off the bench, both against City and Arsenal. The Brazilian even scored an astonishing winner in North London last weekend, and didn’t show any signs of frustration or irritation with his secondary role.Expected Man Utd lineup vs Fulham: Cunha the only changeFielding Cunha from the start would certainly delight Wayne Rooney, who hailed the 26-year-old for his ‘brilliant’ displays.The former Wolves star should thus join Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in the support cast, while Bryan Mbeumo continues to lead the line.Michael Carrick embraces Matheus Cunha after Man United win the Manchester derby. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)Aside from any last-minute injury setbacks, Carrick will have little reason to tweak the rest of the lineup. Therefore, Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro should work together in the double pivot once more, while Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw flank the centre-back partnership of Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez.Man Utd predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo.