Will the Red Devils be rewarded for their efforts?
The Red Devils made good use of the transfer window and strengthened their attack with several new signings. Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were already in the starting line-up at the start of the new season, while Benjamin Sesko came on as a substitute during the match against Arsenal (0-1).
Despite their opening defeat against the reigning runners-up from London, the Red Devils fully deserve their role as favorites in the Fulham vs. Manchester United prediction. Ruben Amorim saw a superior Manchester side that clearly won the expected goals comparison against the Gunners (1.60:0.90 xG).
Rasmus Höjlund is a clear loser in the preseason. The Dane was forced to play in 32 Premier League games last season, but disappointed with only four PL goals. The new signings have greatly increased the depth of the Red Devils’ attack. As a result, Höjlund was left out of the squad for the season opener and will not play an important role in our Fulham vs. Manchester United prediction either.
Ruben Amorim has clearly made the most of his first full preseason with his team. Not only has the squad gained in quality, but the team also looked livelier in their first league game. This allowed the Portuguese coach’s favored 3-4-3 formation to be implemented much better, as evidenced by 9.5 passes allowed per defensive action (7th).
The Cottagers salvaged a point on the first matchday after falling behind against Brighton (1-1). Nevertheless, the Fulham – Manchester United odds from the new bookmakers suggest a defeat for the home side. This view becomes understandable when we take a closer look at the last direct encounters. More on that later.
Fulham – Manchester United Head-to-head comparison / H2H record
The Red Devils’ fans have suffered greatly in recent years and have rarely had anything to celebrate. However, a historic victory could be on the cards this weekend. Manchester United have won all of their previous eight Premier League away games at Craven Cottage. Never before has the traditional Manchester club won nine consecutive away games in the English top flight against the same opponent.
Fulham is considered a welcome opponent by United fans, regardless of the competition. The Cottagers have won only one of their last 22 direct encounters with Manchester United in all competitions (4 draws, 17 losses).
Fulham – Manchester Tip
The Red Devils’ new signings are promising. Bryan Mbeuma, last season’s third-highest scorer (27), has been wearing the Manchester United jersey since the start of this season. Matheus Cunha, who was also signed, finished among the top ten Premier League scorers last season (21).
Ruben Amorim has had a team at his disposal since this summer that is much better suited to his ideas. The visitors’ fans got a first taste of the new attacking strength during the preseason. Before the start of the season, the Red Devils scored at least two goals in four consecutive friendly matches.
Fulham has had a mixed start, conceding 0.15 expected goals per shot against Brighton (16th). Marco Silva’s team failed to keep the Seagulls out of dangerous areas. The 1-1 draw was therefore a fortunate result.
The Cottagers will not be so lucky in their home game against a much-improved Manchester United. The visitors are eager to secure their first win of the season and, despite the defeat, have made a good start to the new season in terms of their play.
