Preview: Man United head to the Cottage for Sunday showdown
Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage in the second week of the 2025/2026 Premier League campaign. Marco Silva’s side rescued a point last time out against Brighton with a last-minute equaliser, while a spirited United performance wasn’t enough as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
By Matt Smith
In this fixture last season, it was Ruben Amorim’s men who came out on top, with Lisandro Martínez’s second-half strike the difference between the two sides. The Red Devils also won the first meeting between the two sides last term, though Fulham did knock the Manchester club out of the FA Cup on penalties.
Team news
Fulham will once again be without left-back Antonee Robinson, who continues his recovery from knee surgery back in May. Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt, while Rodrigo Muniz could be pushing for a start after his late goal against Brighton.
Noussair Mazaroui is also a doubt for the away side, and Lisandro Martínez will definitely miss out through injury. Benjamin Šeško could be in line to make his full debut after coming off the bench last time out.
Fulham lacking creativity
The Cottagers produced just 0.76 expected goals in their game against Brighton, creating only seven shots, with two of those hitting the target. Silva’s side might count themselves a little lucky to have rescued a point, so the Fulham boss will undoubtedly be looking for more in the final third.
Silva made the bold call to start youngster Josh King in the number 10 role against the Seagulls, but they were maybe lacking the creative spark that Andreas Pereira or Emile Smith Rowe offers, with the duo on the bench.
Encouraging signs for Man Utd
Although the Red Devils were beaten at home by Arsenal, there were plenty of signs of encouragement. United had 61% of the possession, creating 1.52 expected goals from 22 shots, but they just couldn’t hit the back of the net.
The dynamism, pace, and power that Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo offered in the final third brought a new lease of life to this United side, and Amorim will undoubtedly be hoping for more of the same against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Cunha a constant threat
Cunha could be the danger man for United, with Mbeumo closely following behind. The Brazilian’s willingness to consistently run at players and try and beat the opposition in transition caused Arsenal plenty of problems last time out, and he got the supporters off their seats at Old Trafford.
The final product wasn’t quite there against Arsenal, but that won’t be a huge concern for Amorim just yet. The former Wolves forward showed what a creative and goalscoring threat he can be at his previous club, proving himself at Premier League level.
Prediction
Although things are starting to click for Amorim and United, Fulham won’t be an easy place to go, with it being their first home game of the season. We’re going for a 1-1 draw.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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