Talk of the Devils: The Athletic FC's Manchester United show Is Fulham a truer test of Carrick’s Man United?
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Jan 29, 2026 
Andy Mitten, longtime United correspondent; Carl Anka, football writer with stats insight; Laurie Whitwell, tactical analyst. They debate whether Fulham will truly test Carrick. They dissect Fulham’s physical threat, Dorgu’s hamstring absence, left‑side fitness, defensive shape and squad leadership questions. Short, sharp conversations on tactics, replacements and looming transfer choices.
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Short-Term Glow Versus Real Test
- Recent wins have created a 'gentle glow' but don't prove long-term change for Manchester United.
- The Fulham game is viewed as a truer test of whether Michael Carrick has genuinely improved the team.
United Controlling Games Without Possession
- Carrick's United have recently been protagonists even without heavy possession by controlling games defensively.
- That shift gives cautious hope they can beat teams they should normally dominate.
Compact Defensive Shape Is Paying Off
- United's current out-of-possession shape is compact and conservative, reducing pressure on Casemiro and helping Harry Maguire.
- That structure should be effective against Fulham but long-range threats like Harry Wilson remain a concern.