13 C
Manchester
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Other SportsManchester United vs Fulham: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

Manchester United vs Fulham: Preview, expected line-ups, how to watch and prediction

The State of Play

Manchester United’s second season under Erik ten Hag has been anything but a smooth ride, yet things may now be looking up for the Red Devils on and off the pitch.

Indeed, United are unbeaten in all competitions since the turn of the year, with last week’s 2-1 victory over Luton Town making it five Premier League wins on the bounce for Ten Hag’s men.

Their performance at Kenilworth Road may have been less than convincing, with both Casemiro and Harry Maguire fortunate to avoid being sent off before half-time, but Rasmus Hojlund’s early brace ultimately proved decisive, and United are now within just five points of the top four.

Off the pitch, this week brought confirmation that Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover had received approval from the Premier League. Champions League qualification is United’s first aim in this new era, and momentum seems to be with them.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Russian Olympic Committee loses appeal against suspension
Lewis Hamilton: Red Bull ‘in the distance’ despite Mercedes improvements
Jim Ratcliffe: Man United will ‘be back’ under investor, says City boss Guardiola

Opponents Fulham sit safely in mid-table, six points adrift of the top half and nine clear of the relegation zone, but Marco Silva will be desperate for a response after their error-strewn 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa last week.

Ollie Watkins scored either side of half-time to hand Villa all three points at Craven Cottage, with Silva’s men unable to complete the fightback after Rodrigo Muniz reduced their arrears.

Despite Muniz finding form with a run of four goals in his last three league games, Fulham have underwhelmed since the turn of the year, only winning one of their five league games so far in 2024 (two draws, two defeats).

Fulham suffered three defeats to United in 2023, with the most heartbreaking of those coming in the FA Cup quarter-finals on this ground last March. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s goal put the Cottagers ahead, but with Wembley in their sights, the Serbian joined Willian and Silva in seeing red as they capitulated to a 3-1 loss.

Could revenge be on the cards on Saturday?

Team News

United have a few selection issues to contend with ahead of this game, with Luke Shaw unlikely to feature again this season after suffering a leg injury.

In-form striker Hojlund will also miss out after sustaining a muscle issue, while Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial are also unavailable.

Fulham, meanwhile, will be without arguably their most important player in midfield enforcer Joao Palhinha, who must serve a two-match ban after racking up 10 yellow cards for the season. Raul Jimenez is still out with a hamstring problem, though Armando Broja is available again after recovering from a bout of illness.

Expected Line-ups

Man Utd: Onana; Dalot, Varane, Evans, Lindelof; Mainoo, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford

Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Wilson; Muniz.

What they Said

Ten Hag on Hojlund’s injury:

“It’s a small injury, he will be two or three weeks. That is the risk of playing and high intensity training. It’s not a big injury but he has to wait now for two or three weeks.”

Silva on United’s recent improvement:

“They are more confident, if you look at them they are achieving so many good results both home and away.

“They have top players who can decide a game in any moment. It’s going to be a challenging one for us but we are ready to fight for the three points.”

When and How to Watch

Saturday’s game will kick off at 15:00 at Old Trafford, and it will not be televised live in the UK.

Prediction

While United have been picking up results in recent weeks, their performances still leave plenty to be desired, and Fulham will fancy their chances of remaining competitive here.

The absence of Hojlund will be a major blow for the Red Devils, with Marcus Rashford often flattering to deceive in a central role. Fulham have twice gone close to upsetting Liverpool this season and did manage a 2-1 win over Arsenal before the turn of the year, so we fancy them to find the net, but United’s quality should tell in a hard-fought 2-1 home win.

Harry Carr
Harry Carr
Harry is a freelance sports journalist with experience of working for the Racing Post, Stats Perform, Opta Analyst and more, covering major events across all sports but holding a particular love for the beautiful game.
Latest

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Bouquet basics for Dad: Flower expert shares how to make those Father’s Day blooms last

A flower expert has revealed his top tips for dads to look after their blooms if they receive them for Father’s Day. Colourful bouquets and...

Pioneering project to change way people travel in Britain

A pioneering project is set to transform how people explore and move across Britain and Ireland. Slow Ways, a non-profit Community Interest Company, has already...

Heat Engineer Software Limited receives significant investment from Greenarc

Heat Engineer Software, the Lancashire based company at the forefront of heat loss calculations and the sizing of both renewable and traditional heating equipment,...

The Kim Jong Un Billboard That’s Shaking Up Manchester’s Fashion Scene

An eye-catching new billboard in Manchester featuring North Korea’s leader is challenging norms—and turning sustainable fashion on its head. A giant image of Kim Jong...

More News

F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025: Report, result, highlights as Norris savours ‘stressful’ win

Lando Norris praised McLaren's "amazing car" after overcoming unpredictable conditions to beat reigning champion Max Verstappen and win the F1 Australian Grand Prix 2025...

India vs Australia: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

India vs Australia: The State of Play India will be targeting a third consecutive appearance in the final when they face Australia in the first...

New Zealand vs India: Preview, expected lineups, how to watch on TV and prediction for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

New Zealand vs India: The State of Play Two teams in excellent form meet on Sunday when New Zealand and India collide in their final...