Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC, English Premier League 2024-25, Today Match Prediction

Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC Match Prediction & Analysis

The much-awaited Premier League season kicks off on Saturday, August 17, with EPL giants Manchester United hosting Fulham at the "Theatre of Dreams," Old Trafford.

Manchester United, coached by Erik ten Hag, will aim to climb back into the top half of the table after finishing eighth in the 2023-24 campaign. On the other hand, Marco Silva's Fulham, who ended last season in 13th place, will look to improve their away form and challenge for a higher position.

Building momentum for the new season, the Red Devils secured their first trophy of the year by defeating Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Community Shield. However, they suffered defeats to Arsenal and Liverpool in pre-season friendlies. Meanwhile, Fulham enjoyed a positive pre-season, winning two out of three matches.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Manchester United FC Preview

Manchester United had a forgettable season in 2023–24, finishing eighth in the league, their lowest standing since 1989–90.  It was also the first time since that year that they conceded more goals than they had scored. In a season hampered by injury, United lost two key players: Lisandro Martinez and Mason Mount. They played a combined 25 matches last season. 

Despite their problems, United won their sole title of the season, defeating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final, with two goals from teenagers Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho. Kobbie Mainoo, in the process, became the breakout star for the Red Devils last season, with 3 goals and 1 assist in 24 games. 

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund, United's new signing, concluded the season with 10 goals despite taking 15 games to find the net. . However, it was senior statesman Bruno Fernandes who finished the season with the best numbers, as he scored 10 goals while assisting 8 times.

To address the issues with the defence last season, the management has strengthened the backline with Bayern Munich's Matthias de Ligt, Noussair Mazaraoui, and Lille's Leny Yoro. In addition to defenders, United has added Joshua Zirkzee to boost its forward line. 

Apart from new signings, some exits were made, with Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and Danny van de Beek leaving permanently, while Sofyan Amrabat, who may return, departed the club when his loan stint expired. Ten Hag is expected to field an 11-man lineup in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with some doubt over the starting lineup owing to Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro's injuries.

Manchester United  Probable Starting XI - Onana; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Luke Shaw/Noussair Mazraoui(Defenders); Mainoo, Casemiro, Fernandes (Midfielders); Garnacho Rashford, Diallo (Forwards)

Fulham FC Preview

Fulham isn't concerned with finishing in the top half of the league, but rather with achieving stability and improvement while avoiding relegation. That is exactly what Marco Silva's reign has brought to the table. Fulham has avoided the hassles of a relegation fight for the second consecutive season under Silva's leadership, and they will seek to do it again in 2024–25. 

In the 2023–24 season, the Cottagers managed to finish 13th in the points table, with some notable victories along the way. The victories over Arsenal and Manchester United top the list. However, reaching the Carabao Cup semis marks their biggest achievement of the season. 

In the meantime, under Silva, the Cottagers have been able to create a strong fortress at home, taking 29 points and winning nine times, second only to the top seven. Though the away form has been a cause of worry for the side, as they only won three, with only the relegated teams having a worse away record than them. It will be one of the key areas where Silva wants to see improvements. 

In terms of performances, Antonne Robinson stood out due to his ability to press opposing wingers back into their halves, establishing himself as one of the league's greatest offensive full-backs with six assists. Meanwhile, Rodrigo Muniz emerged as the season's breakout performer, scoring nine goals. 

Ahead of the new season, the team lost some players to transfers, most notably Tosin Adarabioyo, who departed for Chelsea, and Jao Paulniha, who left at the end of last season, for Bayern Munich. To compensate for their losses, the Cottagers signed Emile Smith Rowe, a 24-year-old midfielder, for a club record cost of £34 million plus add-ons from Arsenal. On Saturday, Rowe is anticipated to play alongside a probable new signing, Diego Carlos, in Silva's preferred 4-2-3-1 system. 

Fulham Probable Starting XI-  Leno (Goalkeeper); Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson (Defenders); Pereira, Lukić, Smith-Rowe (Midfielders); Adama, Muniz, Iwobi (Forwards) 

MANCHESTER UNITED FC vs FULHAM FC
Winning Prediction

Manchester United head into the Fulham clash as strong favorites, buoyed by their recent FA Community Shield triumph over Manchester City. Historically dominant against Fulham, United have won 24 out of 34 encounters, drawing six, and suffering just one defeat in their last five home matches. However, that solitary loss came last season when Fulham secured a 2-1 victory.

Given the rarity of goalless draws between these two teams, an expected goals (xG) total of 3 is anticipated. Considering Manchester United's superior head-to-head record and the momentum from their Community Shield win, a Red Devils victory in the season opener seems likely.

Manchester United FC to Win (2-1)

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