Man United v Fulham preview - Phil Jackson at SkySport
Cristiano Ronaldo makes his much-anticipated return to competitive football in England as Manchester United take on Fulham.
| Team |
Man Utd |
Fulham |
| Games Played |
38 |
38 |
|
Goal Attempts
|
| Goals |
72 |
48 |
| Ave Goals per game |
1.89 |
1.26 |
| Shots (excl blocked shots) |
489 |
371 |
| % Shots on Target |
43% |
41% |
| % Goals to Shots |
14% |
13% |
|
Passing
|
| Short Passes |
11,446 |
7,391 |
| Long Passes |
5,200 |
3,720 |
| Overall Pass Completion % |
80% |
69% |
|
Crossing
|
| Total Crosses |
1017 |
824 |
| Cross Completion % |
27% |
24% |
|
Defending
|
| Goals Conceded |
34 |
58 |
| Ave goals conceded per game |
0.89 |
1.53 |
| Tackles |
1,244 |
1,195 |
| Tackles Won % |
70% |
73% |
| Blocks, Clearances & Interceptions |
1948 |
2315 |
|
Discipline
|
| Fouls |
514 |
507 |
| Yellow Cards |
59 |
65 |
| Red Cards |
2 |
2 |
The 21-year-old winger courted controversy at the World Cup this summer for his exploits for Portugal against England, and in particular club team-mate Wayne Rooney.
But while United fans will hope the tricky attacker can thrive on the pressure Chris Coleman's side will be hoping Sir Alex Ferguson's men are still suffering from a tournament hangover.
Old Trafford remains a daunting venue for a season opener though, particularly for a side with such a poor record on their travels as Fulham.
While United pushed Chelsea relatively close in the title race last term, The Cottagers only recorded one victory away from home all season, coming at Manchester City.
Their solid form at Craven Cottage was enough to see them finish 12th in the top flight, but they will be targeting a vast improvement in the new campaign.
The loss of wantaway playmaker Steed Malbranque is a massive blow to the Londoners, as Coleman has vowed not to use the player, but new signing Jimmy Bullard should be on hand to make his competitive debut for The Whites along with full back Franck Queudrue.
Red Devils captain Gary Neville and centre back Rio Ferdinand both enjoyed run-outs in England's midweek friendly victory over Greece and should start.
John O'Shea and the returning Paul Scholes should form the central midfield partnership in the absence of the injured Michael Carrick.
Louis Saha will lead the line for United against his former club and Sir Alex Ferguson is relying on the French international to shine following Ruud van Nistelrooy's departure to Real Madrid.
Rooney is set to accompany Saha up front having recovered from his groin problem, while Gabriel Heinze is out with a knee injury and will be replaced by either Mikael Silvestre or Patrice Evra at left back.
With United eager to stamp their authority on the league early and Fulham hoping to improve their poor away form, everything is set up for a tasty encounter when the sides meet on Sunday.