Manchester United vs Fulham: How Erik ten Hag could lineup in first Premier League game
Erik ten Hag and Manchester United will begin their 2024/25 Premier League campaign by hosting Fulham, who made several intriguing signings over the summer, this Friday night at Old Trafford.**
Although Manchester United may have some first-team players sidelined due to injury, the remaining squad members should be capable of securing a victorious start in front of their home supporters.
It’s worth noting that United lost to Fulham at Old Trafford in their previous encounter, making a winning start to the season even more crucial.
Before predicting Manchester United’s potential lineup against Fulham, it’s essential to review the current squad, new additions, and departures.
**Manchester United Transfer Activity**
The Red Devils have secured the signings of Leny Yoro from Lille, Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich. Departures include Aaron Wan-Bissaka (to West Ham), Donny van de Beek (to Girona), Mason Greenwood (to Marseille), and Alvaro Carreras (to Benfica).
Manchester United is still negotiating the acquisition of Manuel Ugarte from PSG, while PSG is considering Jadon Sancho as a replacement for Neymar. The transfer is expected to go through soon. Additionally, Scott McTominay remains linked with a move away from United, while Bruno Fernandes has extended his contract with the club until 2027.
**Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Fulham**
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that De Ligt and Mazraoui are fit to play against Fulham, along with Harry Maguire and Lisandro Martinez. This settles the defense, although I would prefer Diogo Dalot at left-back over Martinez. While Martinez performed well defensively against Man City, he didn’t contribute much in attack from that position. Dalot would be a better option for a more balanced approach. De Ligt should start alongside Martinez, given Maguire’s current fitness concerns.Regarding Harry Amass, Ten Hag didn’t field him against a weakened Man City in the Community Shield, so it’s unlikely he will be trusted in the season opener.
In midfield, I’d choose Casemiro, who was impressive against Man City, alongside Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes. Mason Mount struggled against Man City due to being out of position.
For the attack, Alejandro Garnacho should return to the starting lineup after his standout performance as a substitute against Man City. Amad Diallo should be positioned on the right wing, with Marcus Rashford through the center. Hojlund is unavailable due to injury, and Zirkzee is not yet fit.
**Manchester United vs Fulham Prediction**
Both teams will likely be eager to secure a win, but United seldom loses their first league match of the season. I predict a victory for Manchester United, with Alejandro Garnacho likely to score at any time.Your predicted lineup and match analysis look solid. Based on the current squad and recent form:
**Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Fulham:**
**Formation: 4-2-3-1**
**Starting XI:**
– **Goalkeeper:** Andre Onana
– **Right Back:** Noussair Mazraoui
– **Center Backs:** Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez
– **Left Back:** Diogo Dalot (over Martinez for a more balanced approach)
– **Central Midfielders:** Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo
– **Attacking Midfielder:** Bruno Fernandes
– **Right Wing:** Amad Diallo
– **Left Wing:** Alejandro Garnacho
– **Striker:** Marcus Rashford
**Bench:**
– Tom Heaton
– Harry Maguire
– Luke Shaw (if fit)
– Scott McTominay
– Mason Mount
– Jadon Sancho (if available)
– Joshua Zirkzee (if fit)
**Prediction:**
Manchester United are expected to secure a win at Old Trafford, considering their strong home record and the squad’s capabilities. Given Alejandro Garnacho’s recent form and the likely need for a dynamic attacking presence, he could indeed be the one to score. A 2-1 victory for United seems plausible, with Garnacho scoring and Rashford adding another goal.
