FULL TIME
Man United 1-0 Fullham
MATCH PREVIEW & MORE INFO
Man United possible starting lineup: Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
Fullham possible starting lineup: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Iwobi, Pereira, Smith Rowe; Muniz
Match Preview
The Premier League season gets underway with an exciting clash at Old Trafford as Manchester United host Fulham on Friday evening. As the 2024-25 campaign kicks off, Manchester United will be eager to bounce back after a challenging year both on and off the pitch.
For the 10th time in the last 11 seasons, Manchester United will start their league campaign at home. This marks a Premier League record of eight consecutive years opening the season at Old Trafford. The Red Devils are under significant pressure, aiming to improve their fortunes after a tumultuous season.
Manchester United's previous season saw a mix of highs and lows. Despite a disappointing campaign in the Premier League and Europe, they secured the FA Cup with a victory over Manchester City. However, their bid for additional silverware faltered in the FA Community Shield, where they lost to City on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Erik ten Hag remains in charge despite speculation about his future, thanks to support from the club's new owners. The Dutch manager has been joined by familiar faces, including Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be part of the coaching staff. New signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have been brought in to strengthen the defense, which has been plagued by injuries.
United's pre-season was a mixed bag, with three defeats in five matches, including a notable 3-0 loss to Liverpool in the USA. However, they are now focused on their opening league fixture.
At home last season, United struggled, suffering six defeats in 19 league games, including a surprising 2-1 loss to Fulham in February. This defeat ended a long unbeaten run against the Cottagers at Old Trafford. Fulham is now aiming to achieve back-to-back away wins against United for the first time in Premier League history.
Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, is also in a period of transition following the departures of key players like Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha, and Tim Ream. Despite these changes, Silva opted to stay with Fulham, rejecting a lucrative offer from Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League.
Fulham's away form was inconsistent last season, but they ended on a high note, winning two of their last three away matches. Silva's record on opening days is impressive, remaining unbeaten in nine opening-day fixtures, which could bode well for Fulham's chances on Friday.
Team News
Manchester United faces several injury concerns. New signing Leny Yoro is sidelined for several months, while Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Victor Lindelof are unavailable. Harry Maguire, who played against Manchester City, is still not fully fit. Rasmus Hojlund, the joint-top scorer from last season, is also out, which may see Joshua Zirkzee or even Jadon Sancho or Bruno Fernandes feature in a false nine role.
Fulham, meanwhile, will miss Aleksandar Mitrovic, who has departed the club. Young Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz, who scored nine league goals last season, will lead the attack. He will be supported by former United midfielder Andreas Pereira and new signing Emile Smith Rowe, who has previously scored at Old Trafford. Jorge Cuenca might take time to settle, so Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey are likely to form the central defense.
As the new Premier League season begins, both Manchester United and Fulham will be looking to make a strong impression and set the tone for the campaign ahead.