Carrick's Clear Message: No Room for Complacency Against Fulham
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has delivered a blunt warning to his squad ahead of Sunday's Premier League encounter with Fulham, insisting it would be "bang out of order" to take victory for granted despite their recent impressive form.
Building Momentum with Big Wins
The Red Devils have enjoyed a perfect start to Carrick's managerial reign with consecutive victories over title rivals Manchester City and Arsenal. These significant results have generated considerable optimism around Old Trafford, but the interim boss is determined to keep feet firmly on the ground.
"I don't think the past is too relevant in that respect," Carrick stated when asked about United's historical struggles in such fixtures. "We understand what has worked before and what hasn't, but really I think the boys are in a good place going into the game."
Respect for Silva's In-Form Side
Carrick emphasised the quality of Marco Silva's Fulham team, who arrive at Old Trafford in strong form themselves. "Tough game, tough challenge," he acknowledged. "I think Marco has got Fulham into a really good team. It's Fulham, just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order."
The former Middlesbrough manager demonstrated his pragmatic approach, indicating he's prepared to adopt similar tactics to those that secured victories against City and Arsenal, where United won with less possession. "It might be a case it's the same flow of the game as the last two weeks," Carrick explained. "No shame in that. We will deal with the game in front of us and do whatever it takes to come out on top."
Squad Challenges and Injury Updates
United will be without defender Patrick Dorgu, who suffered a hamstring injury during the dramatic 3-2 victory at Arsenal last week. The Danish full-back had scored in consecutive games before his setback.
"It is not ideal, of course it is not," Carrick admitted regarding Dorgu's absence. "We weren't sure if it was cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks something more serious, a number of weeks [out]. He was in such a good place."
However, the United boss expressed confidence in his squad's depth. "We don't want to lose good players. But that is part of having a squad is being able to cover certain things and we have got players who can do that."
Transfer Speculation Dismissed
On a more positive note, striker Joshua Zirkzee has returned to training and is back in contention for selection. Carrick quickly dismissed speculation about the Dutch forward's future during the ongoing transfer window.
"I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit," Carrick clarified. "Josh is back training this week which is good news. I am just looking forward to working with him."
Defender Matthijs de Ligt remains unavailable as he continues his recovery from a back injury that has kept him sidelined since November, presenting further defensive selection challenges for the United coaching staff.
As United prepare for what Carrick clearly views as a potential banana skin fixture, his message to players and supporters alike is unequivocal: recent successes count for nothing if not followed by professional application against supposedly lesser opposition.
