Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage on Sunday for our first away trip of the new Premier League season. After last weekend’s frustrating 1-0 defeat to Arsenal, Ruben Amorim’s side already know the importance of getting off the mark in west London.
The Reds dominated large spells of that opening fixture but were undone by a David Raya masterclass and a Bayindir blunder. New forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were lively, while Benjamin Šeško impressed off the bench – signs that United’s refreshed attack could soon catch fire.
For Fulham, a dramatic late equaliser on the south coast rescued them a point against Brighton. Marco Silva’s men showed character, but they know sterner challenges await. With Craven Cottage sold out and both sides keen to set the tone for their seasons, Sunday promises to be an intriguing clash between two Portuguese coaches who pride themselves on progressive football.
Manchester United Team News
Ruben Amorim confirmed that Lisandro Martínez (knee) and Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring) will once again miss out. Luke Shaw could continue on the left of a back three, with Leny Yoro looking good for a starting place alongside Matthijs de Ligt.
Andre Onana is back to full fitness after sitting out the Arsenal match. Whether he returns straight into the XI or Amorim gives Altay Bayindir another chance remains to be seen, but most fans expect the Cameroonian to reclaim the gloves.
In attack, Amorim hinted that Šeško could be in line for his first Premier League start. That would likely push Mason Mount to the bench, allowing Fernandes to drop into a deeper role alongside Casemiro.
Manchester United Possible Lineup
Onana;
Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw;
Diallo, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu;
Mbeumo, Sesko, Cunha.
How United Might Play
Amorim’s United are already showing a clear identity. Against Arsenal, the Reds pressed high, moved the ball forward quickly, and looked to stretch the pitch with width from Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo and Patrick Dorgu in wing-back roles.
Cunha dropped deep to link play, Mbeumo darted inside to create overloads, and Šeško offered a focal point when he came on. Expect Amorim to continue with this fluid front three, aiming to pull Fulham’s centre-halves into uncomfortable areas.
The midfield pairing of Casemiro and Fernandes provides both bite and creativity, and Amorim will demand the same fast transitions that created chances against Arsenal. Defensively, United need to cut out errors and set-piece lapses – Fulham will look to exploit those through Andreas Pereira’s delivery.
Fulham Team News
Marco Silva’s concerns lie mostly at left-back. Antonee Robinson missed the Brighton match after minor knee surgery, while Ryan Sessegnon was also unavailable. Both are close to returns, but Calvin Bassey is the most likely starter on Sunday.
Rodrigo Muniz is pushing to start again after his stoppage-time equaliser at the Amex. Bernd Leno remains first choice in goal, while Andreas Pereira will be keen to impress against his former club in the No.10 role.
Fulham Possible Lineup
Leno;
Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Bassey;
Berge, Lukic;
Traore, Pereira, Iwobi;
Muniz.
Opposition Preview
Fulham have developed a reputation under Silva for being tough to beat at home, but the end of last season saw cracks emerge: three straight home league defeats to Chelsea, Everton, and Manchester City. The Cottage has lost a touch of its fear factor, and Silva will be determined to restore it.
The Cottagers are physical, organised, and capable of moments of flair through Iwobi and Pereira. But their lack of depth in defence is a weakness United’s new-look attack will target.
United have history on their side: eight straight Premier League wins away to Fulham. A ninth would set a new club record for consecutive away victories against one opponent.
Signs of Promise for United
Despite the opening day defeat, we had reasons to be optimistic. Cunha looked sharp and direct, constantly forcing Arsenal defenders into mistakes. Mbeumo’s pace and delivery caused problems, and Sesko added power and movement in his cameo.
The trio cost close to £200m in transfer fees, but the early signs are that they complement each other well. Amorim has worked to modernise United’s style, and with sharper finishing, the Arsenal game could easily have ended differently.
The challenge now is turning promise into points. Craven Cottage provides the perfect stage to show that this United team can hurt opponents and start climbing the table immediately.
Form Guide
Manchester United form (pre-season + PL): DWWDDL
Fulham form (pre-season + PL): WLLWD
Prediction
This is a tricky away test, but Amorim’s Reds should have too much quality.
If the front three click, Fulham’s backline will struggle to contain them. The atmosphere at the Cottage will make it competitive, but United need – and should get – their first three points of the campaign.
Prediction: Fulham 1-3 Manchester United