Transfers
£70m Baleba move shapes Fulham and Man Utd news and predicted lineups
Carlos Baleba's £70 million transfer from Brighton to Manchester United has been confirmed ahead of the Premier League meeting at Craven Cottage on Sunday, and it immediately dominates the Fulham and Man Utd team news and predicted lineups discussion. Both managers will have to decide whether the new midfielder can feature, while fans scan the injury lists for clues.
Baleba's £70m arrival
Manchester United secured Baleba for a reported £70 million, a fee that reflects the club’s belief in his ability to add creativity to a midfield that has struggled for consistency. Michael Carrick hinted at the signing’s potential impact, saying, "There is a chance on both [Shaw and Baleba] really. Not totally 100 per cent yet." The manager’s cautious optimism suggests Baleba could be a late‑week inclusion if fitness permits.
United's midfield options
Baleba joins a midfield already featuring Luke Shaw, who is battling muscle fatigue, and seasoned players such as Mason Mount and Andrey Santos, whose combined transfer fees total £110 million. The presence of Kevin and Emile Smith‑Rowe, valued at £68 million together, adds depth but also competition for starting spots. Carrick’s reluctance to overhaul the side indicates Baleba may start on the bench, providing a strategic boost if United need a spark in the second half.
Fulham's injury concerns
Alvaro Arbeloa’s Fulham will be without captain Tom Cairney, sidelined with a knee injury, and Kenny Tete, who suffered a concussion in the recent Anfield game. Ryan Sessegnon has returned to training after a groin problem, leaving his availability uncertain. The predicted XI features Leno in goal, a back four of Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey and Robinson, with Garcia leading the attack.
Manchester United's options
Manchester United’s predicted XI lists Lammens between the sticks, a defence of Dalot, Maguire, Martinez and Dorgu, and a midfield of Tielemans and Mainoo. Up front, Benjamin Sesko is slated to start, with Matheus Cunha drifting left and Marcus Rashford likely on the bench alongside Mount and Santos. Luke Shaw’s fitness remains in doubt, and Carlos Baleba could be named among the substitutes if his recovery is incomplete.
After deciding late that he wanted a career in sports journalism, Daniel worked his way up the ladder in an unconventional manner. Having opted against university, Daniel contributed as a freelance translator for during transfer windows and volunteered for several blogs to build a portfolio. He later joined Barnet FC’s social media team before launching his own site covering football and MMA, which led to work with 90min and Reach PLC’s, Daily Record and Daily Express. Daniel then spent two‑and‑a‑half years with Breaking Media covering clubs such as Everton, Rangers, Leeds and West Ham before becoming Premier League editor at GiveMeSport. Log in to see the full preview and follow his continued coverage of the game.