The State of Play
Manchester United have played 35 matches across all competitions so far this season and, somehow, for a club of their size and status, they have won just five games by more than a solitary goal. They come into this one on the back of a 2-1 defeat of Luton Town to make it five wins in a row in all competitions with players such as Rasmus Hojlund finding some good form to push them into the race for a top four spot.
Fulham begin this weekend’s round of fixtures sitting in the bottom-half of the table as they continued their inconsistent habit last weekend. They started this month with an impressive 3-1 defeat of AFC Bournemouth at Craven Cottage but then suffered a 2-1 loss at home to Aston Villa last weekend with a brace being scored by England international forward, Ollie Watkins, in that game.
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Team News
Manchester United have some key concerns with Luke Shaw expected to be missing until towards the very end of the season, while Rasmus Hojlund has now picked up a muscle issue that will keep him out for at least a couple of weeks. Lisandro Martinez, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial are also unavailable for this weekend.
Fulham boss Marco Silva confirmed that Raul Jimenez is their only definite injury absentee or this weekend with Joao Palhinha out suspended, too, whilst Willian is also facing a late fitness test.
Expected Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Dalot; Mainoo, Casemiro; Antony, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Ream, Robinson; Reed, Cairney; Decordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian; Muniz
What they Said
Erik ten Hag on Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund’s injury:
“It’s a small injury, two to three weeks. That is the risk playing of high intensity training. It’s not a big injury but he has to wait now for two or three weeks.”
Marco Silva on Fulham’s opponents:
“They are more confident, if you look at them they are achieving so many good results 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
This match is being played at Old Trafford at 15:00 on Saturday February 24th but will not be televised live in the UK. It is also not available to be legally streamed, either.
Prediction
Manchester United are in good form in terms of results but their performances have most definitely remained unconvincing this season. The Red Devils host a Fulham side that will go to Old Trafford and play with a freedom that has given lots of teams joy against United this season. United are favourites to win, especially at home, and they should grind out a victory but Fulham will also be confident of at least scoring at Old Trafford.
