Man United vs Fulham Kicks Off 2024-25 EPL

Manchester United vs Fulham Preview: Odds, Team News, Analysis

United Put Up Fight in Community Shield

The 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off with a bang on Friday as Manchester United host Fulham. After a disappointing 2023-24 campaign, Erik ten Hag and a shorthanded Man United are looking to start fast this time.

The Red Devils looked solid in Saturday’s FA Community Shield against Manchester City but lost in penalties. Fulham have lost some talented players in the transfer window but are never an easy side to play against.

We’ll check out the odds and team news in our Manchester United vs Fulham preview and analysis.

MUN Manchester United vs Fulham FUL

Records: Manchester United (0-0-0), Fulham (0-0-0)
Day/Time:
Location: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
Stream: USA Network

Manchester vs Fulham Head-to-Head:

Manchester United vs Fulham previews note these teams last met in February at Old Trafford. Fulham came away with a 2-1 victory as Alex Iwobi scored a stoppage time winner. It was the Cottagers’ first victory in this fixture since 2009 and first win at Old Trafford since 2003.

United have won four of their last five matches against Fulham, in all competitions, and haven’t lost back-to-back games in this fixture for almost 15 years.

Five First Team Defenders Potentially Out for Man United

2023-24 Season:

  • Premier League: 18-6-14 (8th)
  • Champions League: Eliminated in Group Stage
  • FA Cup: Champions, defeated Man City 2-1
  • EFL Cup: Fourth Round, lost 3-0 vs Newcastle

Injuries/Absences:

D Luke Shaw (Undisclosed), D Leny Yoro (Foot), D Victor Lindelof (Undisclosed), D Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Undisclosed), D Tyrell Malacia (Knee), ST Rasmus Hojlund (Hamstring), F Antony (Undisclosed)

Manchester United’s injury crisis has officially continued into the 2024-25 season after horrific luck last season. Five first-team defenders were unavailable for Saturday’s FA Community Shield match at Wembley against Manchester City.

While Tyrell Malacia and new signing Lenny Yoro are out for the foreseeable future, Victor Lindelof, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Luke Shaw were all scratches for the penalty shootout loss.

With a back line of Lisandro Martinez, Harry Maguire, Jonny Evans, and Diogo Dalot, United managed to play well and had chances to defeat City. Man United’s pressing structure was solid and Marcus Rashford had a few good chances but couldn’t convert.

Eventually, Alejandro Garnacho put United up in the second half but City responded with an equalizer before the final whistle. United fell 7-6 in penalties but will feel confident after the way they competed with their bitter rivals.

This is a make-or-break season for Erik ten Hag, who led United to an FA Cup title last season but also their worst-ever finish in the Premier League era. It is hard to judge his performance given the severity of United’s injury problems over the past year.

Along with the five defenders, Rasmus Hojlund and Antony are also dealing with issues. With Liverpool on their 2024 Premier League schedule in just two weeks, United have to build some momentum. They’re reportedly on the cusp of signing defenders Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, which would instantly boost their backline.

Key Players Depart Fulham

2023-24 Season:

  • Premier League: 13-8-17 (13th)
  • FA Cup: Fourth Round, lost 2-0 vs Newcastle
  • EFL Cup: Semifinals lost 3-2 (agg.) to Liverpool

Injuries/Absences:

None Reported

While Manchester United are dealing with all sorts of injury issues, all of Fulham’s first-team players should be available come Friday. With a thin squad after the departures of Joao Palhinha, Bobby Decordova-Reid, Tosin Adarabioyo, Willian, and Tim Ream, we expect Fulham to make more signings in the transfer market.

They’ve brought in former Arsenal winger/attacking midfielder Emile Smith Rowe, as well as Ryan Sessegnon and Jorge Cuenca, and are heavily linked to Aston Villa defender Diego Carlos. Smith Rowe has scored in two preseason games and we think he could be a huge hit in West London if he can stay healthy.

Last season, Marco Silva’s side finished in 13th place in the Premier League table, winning only two of their last nine games. This season could be a challenge, as Palhinha’s departure to Bayern Munich could destabilize Fulham’s midfield.

Still, the emergence of Rodrigo Muniz up front was a welcome site and most clubs in the league would love to have players like Andreas Pereira and Alex Iwobi.

While they did win at Old Trafford last season, Fulham were only 4-6-9 on the road in 2023-24.

Match Analysis & Odds

Manchester United still have enough quality to grab a win here without a few of their defenders. Bettors shouldn’t expect a cakewalk, even if United are -185 Premier League betting favorites. Manchester United vs Fulham previews note the Cottagers have managed to win on only one of their last 17 trips to Old Trafford.

Still, Fulham’s victory in February may have marked a turning point and they have avoided defeat in three of their last six games at Old Trafford. Fulham +1.5 comes in at -190 odds and the visitors are also +425 underdogs.

We’re not counting Fulham out here. They managed to win four of their five preseason games. At the very least, the odds imply they’ve got a good chance to score. Both teams to score is at -185 while the over/under goal total stands at 3.5.

Bettors can also find Man United -1.5 at +135 and a draw at +350 for Friday’s Premier League opener.

For Soccer betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.


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