Manchester United Looking to Secure a Victory at Fulham in the Premier League
Manchester United will head to Craven Cottage this Sunday to face Fulham, with the Red Devils aiming to turn their season around after a string of disappointing performances. With manager Ruben Amorim struggling to make an impact since his arrival, United’s form has been concerning, leaving them dangerously close to the relegation zone. A victory in this match is crucial for Amorim and his squad if they are to move forward and regain confidence.
However, United’s recent struggles and the lack of significant improvement since Amorim took charge make it clear that a straightforward victory is unlikely. Last weekend’s demoralizing 4-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion has left the team reeling, and another poor performance against Fulham could result in United’s first defeat at Craven Cottage in nearly 15 years.
Amorim’s side will face an uphill battle, especially given the number of defensive injuries that have plagued the squad. Yet, the manager will be hopeful that key players like Amad Diallo and Bruno Fernandes can provide the game-changing moments required to secure a much-needed three points in the capital.
Man Utd Predicted Lineup vs Fulham (3-4-2-1)
Given the current injuries and lack of form, Ruben Amorim is expected to set his Manchester United team up in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Here is how he could line up his team to face Fulham:
Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Andre Onana’s performance against Brighton was one to forget. His glaring mistake led to Brighton’s opening goal, and his form has dipped considerably since the start of the season. After a shaky performance, Onana was given a rest during the midweek Europa League clash with Rangers. His poor form has raised doubts over his reliability as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper. However, he is expected to return to the starting lineup for this crucial Premier League match.
Despite his recent blunders, Onana remains a talented goalkeeper, and Amorim will hope he can put his mistakes behind him and help secure a clean sheet against Fulham. If Onana can rediscover his early-season form, United’s chances of winning will improve significantly.
Centre-Back: Noussair Mazraoui
Crédit: Getty Images
There are questions surrounding the fitness of Moroccan international Noussair Mazraoui, who missed the midweek match against Rangers as a precaution. However, given the injury crisis at centre-back, Mazraoui is likely to be included in the starting XI for this match. With key defenders like Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro major doubts, Amorim may be forced to rush Mazraoui back into the fold to stabilize the defence.
Mazraoui’s experience and solid performances will be needed to help keep Fulham’s attackers at bay, especially with the likes of Harry Wilson and Adama Traore likely to test United’s defensive frailties.
Centre-Back: Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire has had a turbulent season with Manchester United, but he was one of the few players to show any resolve in the Europa League clash against Rangers. His error, which allowed Cyriel Dessers to score an equaliser, highlighted his ongoing struggles, but it was still an improvement from his recent performances in the Premier League.
Maguire will be needed in this match, especially given the defensive injuries to key players. The England international is a commanding presence in the air, and his leadership will be vital in organizing the defence, particularly in set-piece situations.
Centre-Back: Lisandro Martinez
Lisandro Martinez has been a standout performer for Manchester United in recent seasons, but his lack of height has often been exploited by physical attackers. On Sunday, Martinez will face the challenge of dealing with Fulham’s in-form forward, Jimenez, who is known for his aerial prowess. Martinez’s ability to read the game and his aggressive defending will be put to the test, and he must maintain his composure to prevent Fulham from taking advantage of his size disadvantage.
Despite the challenges, Martinez’s technical ability and tactical awareness make him an essential part of United’s defence, and he will be crucial in preventing Fulham from scoring.
Right Midfield: Amad Diallo
Amad Diallo has been one of the standout players for Manchester United under Ruben Amorim’s management. The young Ivorian winger has taken his game to the next level, becoming one of the team’s most consistent performers. Diallo has contributed six goals and six assists in the Premier League this season, and he will be expected to provide the creative spark against Fulham.
In a wide midfield role, Diallo has the ability to stretch the opposition’s defence, and his directness with the ball makes him a threat in one-on-one situations. If he can continue his fine form, Diallo could be the difference-maker for United in this match.
Central Midfield: Manuel Ugarte
Manuel Ugarte has been a key signing for Manchester United, offering much-needed bite and energy in midfield. The Uruguayan will be tasked with winning the midfield battle against Fulham’s combative midfielders, Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic. Ugarte’s tenacity, ball-winning ability, and distribution will be critical in maintaining United’s control in the middle of the park.
Ugarte will also be required to track the movements of former United player Andreas Pereira or Emile Smith Rowe, depending on who starts for Fulham. His discipline and work rate will be crucial to preventing the opposition from dictating the tempo of the game.
Central Midfield: Kobbie Mainoo
Kobbie Mainoo has shown glimpses of his immense potential, but his consistency has been lacking this season. After a breakout campaign, Mainoo has struggled to replicate the form that made him one of the brightest prospects at the club. Despite his recent inconsistency, he has still displayed his raw talent, and with a brief cameo in midweek’s Europa League match, he should be well-rested ahead of Sunday’s fixture.
Mainoo’s ability to link play and offer a driving force from midfield will be essential in maintaining United’s rhythm. If he can find his best form, he will provide the necessary support to both Ugarte and the attacking players.
Left Midfield: Diogo Dalot
Diogo Dalot has been a solid performer for Manchester United this season, and he will face a tough assignment against Fulham’s quick wingers. Dalot will likely be tasked with keeping Harry Wilson, the former Liverpool winger, under control. Wilson has been in excellent form for Fulham, and Dalot will need to use his pace and defensive awareness to prevent him from creating dangerous opportunities.
As the game progresses, Dalot may also have to contend with Adama Traore, a fast and powerful forward who could pose problems for United’s defence in the closing stages.
Right Forward: Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Manchester United remains uncertain, with reports suggesting that Chelsea are keeping an eye on his situation. Despite this, Garnacho continues to show his potential, and he will be tasked with providing width and pace in the final third. His dribbling ability and flair make him a constant threat, and he will be looking to deliver a performance that can secure his place in the team for the foreseeable future.
Striker: Joshua Zirkzee
Joshua Zirkzee made an immediate impact in his Manchester United debut, scoring the winning goal against Fulham on the opening day of the season. Since then, his performances have been inconsistent, but he will be hoping to replicate his heroics in this crucial match. Zirkzee’s physical presence and aerial ability will be important in attacking set-pieces and providing a focal point for United’s attack.
Left Forward: Bruno Fernandes
Bruno Fernandes remains the key man for Manchester United, and he continues to deliver crucial moments despite the struggles of his teammates. His leadership, vision, and ability to score goals from midfield make him a constant threat. Fernandes was the hero in United’s Europa League match against Rangers, scoring the decisive goal to salvage a win. He will need to produce a similar performance against Fulham if United is to have any chance of success.
Conclusion
Manchester United’s predicted lineup for their Premier League clash against Fulham reveals a team struggling with injuries and a lack of form. Ruben Amorim will need his key players to step up and deliver a solid performance in a difficult away fixture. With the defence facing significant challenges, including the return of several injured players, United will be hoping to rely on the attacking talents of Amad Diallo, Bruno Fernandes, and Alejandro Garnacho to provide the necessary inspiration.
This match represents a crucial opportunity for Manchester United to regain some confidence and move away from the relegation zone. However, given the current state of the team, it is far from certain that they will be able to secure the much-needed three points in West London.
