Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images
The highly anticipated 2024/25 Premier League season kicks off on 16 August as Manchester United welcomes Fulham to Old Trafford. The Red Devils are eager to improve on last season’s disappointing eighth-place finish, and they’ll be looking to start their campaign on a high note.
United has made some significant moves in the transfer market, adding Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee to their squad. These additions signal the club’s intent to return to the top of English football. However, their first challenge comes against a Fulham side that managed to defeat them in this fixture last season.
Fulham, under the management of Marco Silva, has undergone some major changes during the summer. They lost key players, including midfielder Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich, as well as defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Tim Ream. Despite these departures, the arrival of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal promises to bring some much-needed creativity to Fulham’s attack.
(Last Five Games)
Manchester United: 4 wins
Fulham: 1 win
Draws: 0
Last Meeting: Manchester United 1-2 Fulham (February 24, 2024) – Premier League
Current Form (All Competitions): Manchester United – LLWLW, Fulham – WLWWW
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Mount, Rashford; Fernandes
New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are expected to make their debuts.
Leny Yoro will miss out due to a foot injury sustained in pre-season.
United will also be without striker Rasmus Hojlund until after the September international break.
Tyrell Malacia remains sidelined, and there are doubts over the fitness of Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof.
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Jimenez
Emile Smith Rowe is expected to slot into the starting XI behind striker Rodrigo Muniz.
Fulham has no major injury concerns ahead of this clash.
GK: Leno
DEF: Dalot, Martinez, Castagne
MID: Smith Rowe, Fernandes, Garnacho, Casemiro, Pereira
FW: Rashford, Jimenez
Manchester United enters the new season with high expectations and a strengthened squad. Despite injury concerns, their transfer activity has given them depth and quality. Fulham, on the other hand, is in a period of transition following key departures. While they have the potential to cause problems, United should have enough firepower to secure a win on the opening night.
Manchester United is likely to win the match.