Carrick Demands Focus as United Face Fulham Test
Michael Carrick has issued a stern warning to his Manchester United players ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Fulham at Old Trafford. The interim manager emphasised that his team would be "bang out of order" if they showed any complacency following their impressive back-to-back victories against Manchester City and Arsenal.
United's Recent Form and League Position
Those significant wins have propelled United to fourth place in the Premier League table with 38 points, establishing a four-point cushion over Marco Silva's Fulham side. Despite this positive momentum, Carrick stressed there would be no change in approach when the London club visits Manchester this weekend.
"Tough game, tough challenge," Carrick stated during Friday's press conference. "Marco has got Fulham into a really good team. Just because we are at home, taking anything for granted is bang out of order so it might be a case it's the same flow of the game as the last two weeks."
The United manager added: "No shame in that, we will deal with the game in front of us and do whatever it takes to come out on top."
Transfer Speculation and Injury Updates
Carrick addressed speculation surrounding striker Joshua Zirkzee, who has been linked with a potential transfer before Monday's deadline. The Dutch forward has recently returned to training after recovering from injury.
"I think Josh has just been trying to work to get fit and get back around the group and it's been great to have him back training yesterday," Carrick revealed. "That's literally as far as it goes for me and for Josh. I'm looking forward to working with him. Nothing else needs to be said."
In less positive news, Carrick confirmed that defender Patrick Dorgu faces a prolonged absence due to a muscle problem sustained during the Arsenal match. "He's disappointed, he's had such a big couple of weeks," Carrick explained. "We weren't sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something more serious and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious side, so it'll be a few weeks for that. How many, we'll have to wait and see."
Howe Looks Forward as Newcastle Prepare for Liverpool
Elsewhere in the Premier League, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe expressed confidence ahead of Saturday's trip to Anfield, despite acknowledging his team's poor historical record at Liverpool. The Magpies haven't secured a Premier League victory at Liverpool since 1994.
Moving Past Transfer Saga
Howe insisted that any bad blood from Alexander Isak's protracted £125 million transfer to Liverpool last summer has been completely forgotten. "We've moved on," Howe declared. "What happened is irrelevant now. We're not looking back, we're looking forward. There's certainly nothing (animosity behind the scenes) on our side."
The Newcastle manager drew encouragement from his team's recent 1-1 draw against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, which secured a European playoff against Qarabag. "It was a high-level, elite game in Paris," Howe reflected. "My players showed their quality; we've proved how good we are away from home. We should have no fears now."
Injury Concerns and Recovery Timelines
While Isak remains sidelined with a broken leg, Newcastle captain Bruno Guimarães faces a late fitness test on an ankle injury ahead of the Liverpool match. In more positive news, midfielder Joelinton's recovery from a groin issue appears to be progressing well.
"Joe flew to Barcelona for an injection into his groin," Howe explained. "And the specialist feels his return could be quite quick, we're looking at weeks not months."
Full-back Tino Livramento is expected to return from hamstring trouble in early March, providing a welcome boost for Newcastle's defensive options during the crucial final months of the season.
Liverpool Captain Addresses Contract Situation
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has dismissed suggestions that players are performing for their futures as the club seeks to salvage their season. Five wins from eighteen league matches have left Arne Slot's side two points behind fourth-placed Manchester United, with last weekend's defeat at Bournemouth representing a significant setback.
Contract Realities and Squad Confidence
While only Ibrahima Konaté and Andy Robertson see their contracts expire this summer, several key players including Van Dijk, Mohamed Salah, Alisson, Curtis Jones, Joe Gomez and Wataru Endo have deals running until 2027. The Liverpool captain emphasised that personal contract situations shouldn't affect performance levels.
"I think the reality is some players are running out of contract, some players still have a year after this, like myself, but we have to see how the season goes and how it's going to end," Van Dijk stated. "Hopefully it's successful, but it's not about players playing to keep their jobs. I still think we have very good players."
The Dutch international admitted taking personal responsibility for the Bournemouth defeat while highlighting consistency as Liverpool's primary challenge. "The difficulty we're having at the moment is that we don't have the consistency," Van Dijk acknowledged. "We can't, so far, build enough on good performances that we have during this season."
Transfer Deadline Day Approaches
With the January transfer window closing on Monday night, several Premier League clubs are making final moves to strengthen their squads for the remainder of the campaign.
Fulham Secure Major Signing
Fulham have completed the £27 million signing of winger Oscar Bobb from Manchester City. The 22-year-old Norway international has signed a five-year deal at Craven Cottage, providing Marco Silva with additional attacking options.
Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola missed his scheduled Friday press conference for personal reasons, with assistant Pep Lijnders taking his place. The Spaniard was expected to return for training on Saturday ahead of City's trip to Tottenham.
Tottenham's Transfer Frustrations
Tottenham manager Thomas Frank acknowledged his squad has been weakened by January departures and injuries, but defended the commitment of the club's owners. "I can promise that the Lewis family is super committed to this project," Frank insisted.
The Danish manager revealed that Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo had been a primary target before he opted to join Manchester City. "There's no doubt it's clear that the club wants to sign Semenyo," Frank stated. "They did everything. I think that's a clear signal."
West Ham's Survival Push
West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo believes new signing Adama Traoré can provide crucial impetus in the club's battle against relegation. The Portuguese manager previously worked with the winger during their time together at Wolves.
"I've worked with him for many years, and I know him well," Nuno explained. "He's unique – there aren't many players with his ability one-on-one, or with his pace. He's going to give us many things that we need."
The Hammers currently sit five points adrift of safety ahead of Saturday's challenging trip to Chelsea, with Nuno emphasising the need to focus on their own performances rather than results elsewhere.
Chelsea's Cautious Approach
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior confirmed the club is prepared to make late moves in the transfer market if suitable opportunities arise, despite suffering a long-term injury to defender Levi Colwill.
"My job along with the guys is to make the squad in every area as strong as it can possibly be," Rosenior stated. "Certain players come up that you don't expect to come up, and then can strengthen you. If we see something, I know the guys are willing to do it."
The Chelsea manager stressed the importance of strategic recruitment, adding: "I don't want to bring in players for the sake of bringing in players. There's a possibility it could be busy, a possibility it could be quiet."
