United host Fulham at Old Trafford, looking to extend an impressive unbeaten run in the Premier League to seven games, which includes recent wins over top 2 Arsenal and City. Michael Carrick’s side seem to have rediscovered their form in recent weeks, and need to keep the momentum going against a talented Fulham side that have already held United to a frustrating draw earlier in the season.
Fulham arrive on the back of a solid 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, moving up to seventh in the table and proving themselves a genuine threat in the race for European qualification. Carrick will need his team at their sharpest to overcome a Cottagers side enjoying a rich vein of form.
Manchester United Team News
Carrick has a mostly fit squad to choose from, but there are key absences to note. Patrick Dorgu suffered a serious hamstring injury against Arsenal and is expected to be sidelined for around ten weeks. Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Joshua Zirkzee are also fitness concerns, although Zirkzee has returned to training and could feature.
Noussair Mazraoui returned from Africa Cup of Nations duty and made a brief cameo against Arsenal. Harry Maguire and Casemiro remain available; offering experience and stability in defence and midfield. Bruno Fernandes continues as the team’s creative fulcrum, while Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha provide pace and attacking threat.
Fulham Team News
Marco Silva may have a near-complete squad, though Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic are sidelined with thigh injuries. Kenny Tete could return at right-back, bolstering the Cottagers’ defensive options. Harry Wilson remains Fulham’s key attacking outlet, having scored the decisive free-kick in their recent comeback against Brighton.
Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, and Calvin Bassey have rejoined post-Africa Cup of Nations, although Chukwueze may miss out due to personal reasons. Silva will likely field a balanced side aimed at frustrating United while exploiting any defensive lapses.
The Context
United have taken the Premier League by storm since Carrick’s return, winning back-to-back matches against the top two before taking on Fulham. Their resurgence has been built on disciplined defence, fast transitions, and lethal finishing, scoring in each of their last 11 league games.
Fulham, meanwhile, have found consistency in the second half of the season, losing just one of their last eight matches across all competitions. The Cottagers have also improved on the road, taking 10 points from their last five away games. Previous encounters suggest a competitive fixture: United have lost only once in 20 league games against Fulham, but the Cottagers drew 1-1 at Craven Cottage earlier in the season.
Recent Form (all competitions)
Manchester United:
D D D L W W
Fulham:
D D W W L W
Tactical Focus
Carrick is expected to continue with his 4-2-3-1 setup, prioritising defensive solidity and quick transitions. Bruno Fernandes will orchestrate attacks from midfield, linking up with Cunha and Mbeumo on the flanks. Without Dorgu, Cunha may step into a more advanced role to lead the line alongside Mbeumo.
Fulham will look to press United high and exploit any spaces left by overlapping full-backs. Wilson’s creativity and set-piece threat will be central to their attacking strategy, while Silva’s midfielders aim to disrupt United’s rhythm.
This game will be about patience, timing, and efficiency; United will seek to control key moments rather than dominate possession.
Predicted XI
Lammens;
Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;
Mainoo, Casemiro;
Diallo, Fernandes, Cunha;
Mbeumo.
Predicted Score
Manchester United remain favourites at Old Trafford, despite the setback of losing Dorgu.
Cunha and Mbeumo are dangerous attacking options, and the team’s confidence under Carrick is sky-high. Fulham will challenge, particularly from set-pieces and counter-attacks, but United’s momentum and the home advantage should be enough to carry us to victory.
Manchester United 3-1 Fulham
