Fulham and Manchester United meet at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening in a rematch of their season opener, with both teams eyeing a crucial three points in the Premier League.
The Red Devils started the 2024-25 campaign with a 1-0 victory over Marco Silva’s side in August, but Fulham heads into this weekend’s clash seven points ahead in the standings. Despite a promising start, Manchester United has struggled under Erik ten Hag’s successor, Ruben Amorim. Last weekend, they suffered a 3-1 defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion, their 10th loss of the season, leaving them in 13th place, just above the relegation zone.
Amorim’s side could drop as low as 15th if results do not go their way, and the Portuguese manager is at risk of setting an unwanted record with seven league losses in a single season. However, United’s 2-1 Europa League victory over Rangers on Thursday provided a glimmer of hope, with Bruno Fernandes’ late goal boosting morale ahead of the Fulham clash.
Meanwhile, Fulham has ambitions of European competition and enters the match on a positive note. The Cottagers secured their first Premier League win of 2025 last weekend, comfortably defeating Leicester City 2-0 thanks to goals from Emile Smith Rowe and Adama Traore. Fulham has been in solid form, with just one loss in their last 11 matches in all competitions, and currently sit just four points behind seventh-placed Bournemouth.
Despite their strong form, Fulham has struggled to convert draws into wins at Craven Cottage, with each of their last four home games ending in a draw. However, they will be encouraged by the fact that Manchester United has won their last seven visits to Fulham, with their most recent loss in 2009.
Injury concerns loom for both teams. United’s defense is weakened with Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro doubtful after midweek injuries, while Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, and Luke Shaw remain sidelined. For Fulham, Dutch defender Kenny Tete (knee) and Arsenal loanee Reiss Nelson (hamstring) are unavailable, but Silva has no other major injury worries.
Fulham possible starting lineup: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Traore; Jimenez
Manchester United possible starting lineup: Onana; Mazraoui, Maguire, Martinez; Diallo, Ugarte, Mainoo, Dalot; Fernandes, Garnacho; Hojlund
Prediction: Fulham 2-2 Manchester United
With Manchester United’s defensive struggles continuing and Fulham’s solid attacking form, a high-scoring draw seems likely. Despite their recent woes, United will avoid a seventh league loss, but Fulham will prove a difficult opponent in this thrilling encounter.
