Manchester United’s tactical approach against Fulham revealed, with Cunha replacing Doku as a substitute! Carrick wins over Keane

Carrick has achieved back-to-back wins since taking charge of Manchester United, but this coming Sunday at Old Trafford, they will encounter a fresh challenge. Fulham’s low defensive block will pose a distinct difficulty for the Red Devils. Carrick needs to keep United’s attacking system as effective as it was in scoring five goals over the last two games.

Marco Silva’s Fulham doesn’t just sit back with a dense defense; however, when their shape is settled, their 4-4-2 formation is notably tight. On the pitch’s central area, the “farmers”’ four defenders and midfielders form a surrounding barrier, preventing the opponent’s number 10 from breaking through the lines.

Manchester United’s center-backs will be key to unlocking the defense. When Maguire or Lisandro Martínez carry the ball forward, they can draw out a Fulham midfielder, creating space for the forwards and potentially shifting the team’s shape into a 3-2-4.

Patrick Doku’s injury will affect Manchester United’s tactics, but Cunha can fill his spot. The Brazilian, a £62.5 million signing, hasn’t started under Carrick yet, but he has made an impact coming off the bench twice as a striker. Although Cunha is not left-footed, he can cut inside and combine well with Bruno Fernandes, and his left-foot technique is also solid, allowing United to maintain most of the tactical approaches used against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Since Carrick’s appointment, United’s forwards often execute triangular short passes and runs to manipulate the opponent’s defense. Cunha is fully capable of such interplay, making him a more suitable replacement for Doku than Bissesscko. The €85 million striker may remain on the bench, ready to come on when needed for a decisive push.

Another surprise substitute for Manchester United is Mason Mount, who can provide vertical runs to break down dense defenses — something the Red Devils often lack. Against a “bus parking” defense, they frequently resort to sideways passing without penetration. Mount excels at these runs and combinations, especially as a fresh substitute in the second half, where his stamina can make a big difference. His goal against Manchester City was controversially disallowed.

Sunday’s match against Fulham will be a new tactical test, but if Manchester United continues to create the right spaces, Carrick’s winning streak is likely to continue. The 44-year-old United legend has already won over the previously critical predecessor Roy Keane, who now supports Carrick’s permanent appointment.

The conflict between Keane and Carrick originally stemmed from comments made by Carrick’s wife, Lisa. In 2014, Keane criticized Carrick’s performance in the 0-2 Champions League elimination by Olympiacos. Lisa defended her husband fiercely, calling Keane a jerk, which caused a fallout. Keane mocked Lisa’s outspoken nature and later joked after Carrick’s appointment, “If Carrick doesn’t perform well, his wife can always step in; she’s very straightforward and might be good for pre-match motivation!”

After Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal, Gary Neville excitedly said he felt the Red Devils’ magic had returned and was completely won over. However, Keane stated that even if Carrick won all 15 matches, he still believed Carrick was not suitable for a permanent managerial role.

Now, Keane has changed his stance: “I hope Manchester United give him the permanent job and the chance this summer. I just emphasize that being an interim coach is completely different from managing United long-term and winning the Premier League over the next two, three, or even five years.”

Keane added, “My view is that there are definitely better managers than Carrick out there. But he’s doing well now, and the timing is right. If he is made permanent, all we can do is wish him luck. Even if he doesn’t stay at United, with these results, he could find another job, possibly managing another Premier League club.”

For Manchester United fans dreaming of winning all remaining matches this season, overtaking Arsenal, Manchester City, and Aston Villa to claim the Premier League title, Keane advises caution. He said, “It’s only two games so far. United beat Liverpool earlier this season and have found ways to win before. Things are definitely better than before, but let’s see how the next few months or even one to two years unfold. We shouldn’t get too excited too soon. United’s attack looks good, but they still conceded two goals against Arsenal.”