Manchester United vs. Fulham: Prediction, Preview & Betting Tips

United are missing a few key players so this one won't be straightforward, but they've got plenty enough quality to come out on top.

Alejandro Garnacho and Bruno Fernandes registered 3.51 and 2.6 shots per 90 minutes last season and could fill their boots here, while Fernandes picked up 9 bookings last season and could be a solid bet for a booking.

Despite the addition of Emile Smith-Rowe, Fulham still look slightly weaker than they did last season on the whole following the departures of Tosin Adarabioyo and João Palinha so this game may have come slightly too soon in the calendar for them.

United have won four of their last five head-to-head meetings with Fulham and should kick off their Premier League campaign with three points. Man Utd 2-1 Fulham.

As the Premier League kicks off this weekend, all eyes will be on Manchester United and Fulham as they meet at Old Trafford in what is the first game of the Premier League calendar.

• Date: 16/08/2024
• Kick-off time: 20:00
• Location: Old Trafford, Manchester

Manchester United’s previous league campaign was one that the club, its supporters, and particularly Erik ten Hag would like to erase from memory. Finishing 8th in the Premier League was far below the standards expected at Old Trafford, a club with a storied history of success. The team’s performance was inconsistent and, at times, embarrassing for a club of such prestige, leading to mounting pressure on Ten Hag.

The Dutch manager, now in his second season, finds himself in a precarious position. The FA Cup victory at the end of the last campaign may have saved his job, but there is no doubt that the pressure has only intensified. United’s failure to secure a top-four finish and the lack of consistency in their performances led to widespread criticism, with Ten Hag’s tactics and decisions often coming under scrutiny. This season, there is a significant expectation for improvement, and anything less than a marked progression could spell trouble for the manager.

This summer has seen considerable movement behind the scenes at Manchester United, both in terms of ownership and squad makeup. The club is under partial new ownership, a development that has already started to influence the decision-making at the top. The changes have been felt in the transfer market, where United have been active in an attempt to bolster their squad and address the deficiencies that plagued them last season.

One of the most exciting additions is Leny Yoro, a teenage centre-back sensation who arrives with a burgeoning reputation. In attack, Joshua Zirkzee has been brought in from Serie A side Bologna. The Dutch forward, known for his technical prowess and savvy linkup play, adds depth to United’s attacking options, and fans will be eager to see how he adapts to the Premier League.

Further reinforcements appear to be on the way, with the club reportedly close to completing deals for centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and right-back Noussair Mazraoui. If these transfers materialise, they will significantly strengthen United’s defensive line, which was a source of concern last season. De Ligt, in particular, brings leadership and experience that could prove vital in a season where defensive stability will be key to achieving United’s goals.

United’s spending has already surpassed €100m, and with more signings expected before the end of the transfer window, it is likely that their total outlay will approach €200m. This level of investment only adds to the pressure on Ten Hag to deliver results. The squad has undoubtedly been strengthened, but integrating new players and finding the right balance will be crucial if United are to improve on last season’s disappointing finish.

In contrast to Manchester United, Fulham can look back on last season with a degree of satisfaction. Finishing 13th in the Premier League was a commendable achievement for Marco Silva’s side, particularly after losing their top scorer, Aleksandar Mitrović, and making only minor additions to the squad.

This season, Fulham have shown a willingness to back Silva financially, recognising the need to strengthen the squad to avoid a potential relegation battle. The arrival of Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal is a notable addition to the defence. The Spanish centre-back brings a blend of composure and technical ability that should help solidify a backline that will need to be robust against the Premier League’s top sides.

Perhaps the most eye-catching signing for Fulham this summer is that of Emile Smith-Rowe from Arsenal. The attacking midfielder is an excellent acquisition on paper, bringing creativity, energy, and a goal threat to Fulham’s midfield. Smith-Rowe’s ability to link play between midfield and attack will be crucial. If he can stay fit, Smith-Rowe could prove to be one of the signings of the season.

However, Fulham have also experienced some significant departures that could impact their squad depth. The loss of centre-back Tosin Adarabioyo, midfielder João Palhinha, and winger Bobby De Cordova-Reid will leave holes that need to be filled. Palhinha, in particular, was a key figure in Fulham’s midfield last season, and replacing his influence will not be easy. The club are reportedly still in the market for another centre-back, indicating that Silva is aware of the need to add more defensive cover before the window closes.

Despite these challenges, there is a sense of optimism around Craven Cottage. Fulham have a squad with a decent amount of quality, and while they may still need to add more faces, much of the team that achieved a mid-table finish last season remains intact. The focus for Silva will be on ensuring that the new signings integrate quickly and that the team remains competitive across the long and demanding Premier League campaign.

This game will be aired live to all U.K. viewers on Sky Sports Main Event.

Man Utd Team News:

New signing Leny Yoro, unfortunately, picked up an injury in preseason and is set to spend a number of months on the sidelines.

Rasmus Højlund and Luke Shaw are both set to miss out with injury too, while Joshua Zirkzee is likely to start on the bench. There could even be places in the matchday squad for impending signings such as Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Predicted lineup: Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Evans, Martínez; Mainoo, Casemiro; Diallo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford.

Fulham Team News:

Emile Smith-Rowe looks set to make his first competitive start for the Cottagers.

Jorge Cuenca, however, will likely have to settle for a place on the bench.

Predicted lineup: Leno; Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Pereira, Lukić, Smith-Rowe; Adama, Muniz, Iwobi.

Manchester United claimed two wins, one draw and two losses from their final five games of the last Premier League season. Erik ten Hag's side drew 1-1 with Burnley, lost 4-0 to Crystal Palace and 1-0 to Arsenal before beating Newcastle United 3-2 and Brighton & Hove Albion 2-0.

United's preseason has seen them beat Rangers (2-0) and Real Betis (3-2) while losing to Rosenborg (1-0), Arsenal (2-1) and Liverpool (3-0), before losing to Manchester City on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Community Shield last weekend.

Fulham's final five games of the last Premier League season were fairly laboured, with the Cottagers losing 1-3 to Liverpool, drawing 1-1 with Crystal Palace and 0-0 with Fulham before losing 0-4 to Manchester City and beating Luton Town 4-2.

Marco Silva's side have been decent in preseason, beating Benfica 1-0, losing 1-2 to Sevilla and beating Hoffenheim 2-0.

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