Team News
Manchester United v Fulham
Premiership Match Day 01 24/25 at Old Trafford, Manchester
Friday 16th August 2024 KO: 20:00
Referee:
Robert Jones (Wirral)
Live on Sky Sports
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Following the abrupt departure of Aleksandar Mitrovic, Fulham's main marksman last term turned out to be young Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz with nine league goals.
The former Flamengo striker is set to be supported by ex-United midfielder Andreas Pereira, while recent signing Emile Smith Rowe - who scored on his only previous Premier League start at Old Trafford - is also expected to play.
Another new acquisition, Jorge Cuenca, may need some time to acclimatise, so Issa Diop and Calvin Bassey could be paired at the heart of Marco Silva's defence.
Fulham possible starting lineup:
Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Lukic, Reed; Iwobi, Pereira, Smith Rowe; Muniz
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Although Erik ten Hag's former Ajax charges Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui have both arrived from Bayern Munich and could play a part on Friday evening, a familiar defensive crisis looms over Manchester United's Premier League return.
Fellow new boy Leny Yoro will be sidelined for several months after sustaining a foot injury during pre-season, while Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Victor Lindelof are absent again; Harry Maguire started against Manchester City but is still short of full fitness.
Furthermore, last term's joint-top league scorer for the Red Devils, Rasmus Hojlund, is unable to link up with potential strike partner Joshua Zirkzee. Despite not taking to the field at Wembley, the latter could start up front, although in-from-the-cold winger Jadon Sancho or captain Bruno Fernandes may instead feature as a false nine.
Manchester United possible starting lineup:
Onana; Dalot, De Ligt, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee
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Source Jonathan O'Shea at Sportsmole