Manchester United head to Craven Cottage on Sunday aiming to end a disappointing run and get their season back on track against Fulham in the Premier League.

The opening weeks of the campaign have been far from ideal for Michael Carrick's side, who have earned only four points from their first four league fixtures. Defeats against Hull and Manchester City, coupled with a damaging Carabao Cup exit at the hands of Brighton, have left pressure mounting at Old Trafford.

The Brighton loss was especially difficult to take. United surged into a 2-0 lead inside the first 10 minutes but failed to maintain control, eventually slipping to a 3-2 defeat after a second-half collapse.

Fulham have endured a similarly frustrating start, picking up just a single point from their first four league matches. Their lone point arrived in an encouraging goalless draw away to Liverpool, though a recent 3-2 Carabao Cup triumph over West Ham has provided a timely boost in confidence.

With both teams desperate to build momentum, this weekend's clash could prove significant. Each side will view the contest as a chance to revive their campaign, but another defeat would only increase the scrutiny and leave their early-season objectives in jeopardy.

It was a dreadful display at Old Trafford against Brighton as the Reds crashed out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle.

While there were stark defensive concerns, Carrick's side also struggled in attack and in their attempts to create panic for the opposition in the final third.

United have not looked as dangerous going forward this season and it is partly due to Amad's injury, which has influenced Carrick to play Bryan Mbeumo on the right flank and Matheus Cunha through the centre of the pitch.

It is a move that hasn't worked, and Carrick should be looking to return the Cameroonian to the central role which he thrived in last season. Under the English head coach, when Mbeumo started upfront, United won seven games and drew just once.

That move should also see Shea Lacey come in to start his first-ever Premier League game after being one of the only impressive sparks against Brighton. He took his goal brilliantly and can naturally hold the width on the right side of the pitch.

Rather than place someone like Cunha or Marcus Rashford out of position, Carrick should reward Lacey. United could certainly do with more of the youthful arrogance that the 19-year-old possesses in the final third.

Alarm bells will be ringing if United do not come away from Craven Cottage with a win on Sunday. The international breaks comes afterwards and it will leave United fans wondering about what is coming next.

But while results have been poor, and performances even worse, it is still too early in the season to define what the Reds will achieve.

Carrick certainly has got to address several issues, including the fitness levels of the group, but the situation is more than salvageable. Three points and a good performance at Fulham will help people believe that.