Erik ten Hag will hope to continue his impressive record against Fulham, when the London club travel to Old Trafford this weekend.
Manchester United have won on all four occasions when they’ve faced Marco Silva’s side since their promotion back to the Premier League in 2022, with four wins including a hot-tempered FA Cup tie last season that saw Fulham receive three red cards.
When the teams met earlier this season, a Bruno Fernandes injury-time winner secured a vital win for United during a period when pressure was starting to mount on Ten Hag. That has lessened considerably since, and United head into the game on the back of four straight league wins that has seen them cut the gap to fourth-place Aston Villa down to five points.
But there was disappointing news for United this week, with Luke Shaw ruled out for an extended period of time due to a muscular injury. The defender may not play again this season and is even a doubt for Euro 2024.
With Tyrell Malacia not back yet and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also injured, it leaves Ten Hag with Diogo Dalot as the only fit full-back. Victor Lindelof has deputised at left-back in the last two games when Shaw was replaced and he struggled at Villa Park but was significantly better in last week’s 2-1 win over Luton Town.
There was a further setback confirmed on Friday with the news that Rasmus Hojlund will miss the next few weeks with a muscular injury. "Rasmus Hojlund will miss Manchester United’s Premier League game against Fulham on Saturday due to a muscle injury, which is expected to keep him out for 2-3 weeks," said Ten Hag.
It means United will be forced into a change in the attacking areas. Here’s how we expect the team to line-up…
1. GK: Andre Onana
Was at fault for another goal last week as he failed to stop Carlton Morris' header.
2. RB: Victor Lindelof
We're predicting the Swedish captain shifts over to the right hand-side in United's one change from last week.
3. CB: Raphael Varane
Impressed at Luton last week and is in good form.
4. CB: Harry Maguire
Replaced at half-time at Kenilworth Road after an out-of-sorts opening 45 minutes. But, in general, Maguire has performed well since returning from injury last month.