Carrick under pressure as Manchester United look to halt poor run at Fulham

London – Michael Carrick is under increasing pressure at Manchester United as his side travel to Fulham on Sunday needing a result to prevent their season from losing momentum before the international break.

United have won only one of their opening four Premier League matches, beating promoted Ipswich Town at home. Their difficult start was compounded on Wednesday when they surrendered a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 to Brighton and Hove Albion in the League Cup.

The defeat was the first time in 50 years that Manchester United had lost at Old Trafford after being two goals ahead.

A further setback at Craven Cottage, against a Fulham team still without a league victory this season, would intensify scrutiny of Carrick and raise concerns that United’s campaign is beginning to drift after the optimism of pre-season.

“Of course, we can turn it around; we have got some really good players,” Carrick said following the Brighton defeat.

“It feels bad because we haven’t had a great week or two, or three weeks. We’ve got another game on Sunday, and that’s the crucial thing now. We need to flip that and start winning games again.”

Manchester United can take encouragement from their record at Fulham, having not lost there since 2009. However, Fulham’s recent results suggest they may pose a greater threat than their league position indicates.

Alvaro Arbeloa’s side drew at Liverpool last week before beating West Ham United in the League Cup in midweek, offering signs that their slow start could soon improve.

Liverpool, meanwhile, remain unbeaten in all competitions under new manager Andoni Iraola, although three draws from their four Premier League matches have restricted their early progress.

Iraola returns to familiar surroundings on Sunday when Liverpool visit Bournemouth, the south-coast club he had regularly guided to results above expectations.

Bournemouth are still waiting for their first Premier League win under Iraola’s successor, Marco Rose. Yet three draws and a narrow, arguably unfortunate defeat at Manchester City represent a limited return for a team that has produced some impressive football under the German.

Chelsea also face a test after an initially encouraging start under Xabi Alonso led to early speculation about a title challenge.

Their momentum was checked by defeat against Arsenal and a home draw with promoted Hull City. Chelsea will look to return to winning form when they open the weekend programme at unbeaten Brentford.