Manchester United will be aiming to start the 2024/25 Premier League on a high when they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on August 17.
After finishing last season in eighth place in the Premier League, Erik ten Hag will be determined to guide his squad to a top-four finish and secure a return to the Champions League. The friendlies against Rosenborg and Rangers which was followed by the US pre-season tour allowed the players to build up their fitness levels and gain minutes in their legs after a highly taxing last season.
The Red Devils haven’t had the best of preparations heading into the new season, owing to the FA Community Shield final defeat to cross-town rivals Manchester City in a penalty shootout at the Wembley Stadium last weekend. Despite the defeat, Man United will go into the first game in a buoyant mood and look to get all three points against Fulham in front of the home crowd.
Manchester United Team News
The club already suffered two big blows during the pre-season tour of the United States, with Leny Yoro and Rasmus Hojlund dropping out with injury problems. Yoro is set to be out for up to three months after undergoing successful surgery on a foot injury while Hojlund has been sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring issue.
To pile more misery on the injury front, Luke Shaw will miss the opening Premier League games for Manchester United after suffering a calf problem in pre-season training. Victor Lindelof, like Shaw, was also absent for the Community Shield game and his availability looks doubtful for the curtain-raiser. Tyrell Malacia has started his rehabilitation following his recovery from a long-term issue, so he remains out as well.
On Tuesday, the club confirmed the captures of defenders Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, and their availability for the season-opener against the Cottagers will be a massive boost for Erik ten Hag.
So, how could Erik ten Hag set up his side against Fulham?
Andre Onana has been the club’s undisputed No.1 since arriving from Inter Milan last summer and should start in goal. He is expected to be protected by a back four of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Lisandro Martinez and Diogo Dalot. Having worked with De Ligt and Mazraoui in the past, Ten Hag will not be afraid of throwing them in the deep end as they are fully fit and raring to go.
Up ahead in midfield, Casemiro is likely to act as a shield for the back four. He will partner Kobbie Mainoo in the Man United engine room, with the duo looking to control the tempo of play against Marco Silva’s side. Mason Mount, highly motivated after a strong pre-season, will act as the creative link from the No.10 role.
Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo are expected to start out wide, although a case can be made for Alejandro Garnacho after his impactful appearance off the bench against Man City in the Community Shield final. With Hojlund injured and summer signing Joshua Zirkzee lacking match fitness, skipper Bruno Fernandes is certain to start as a false 9 like he did last weekend.
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Off the bench, the likes of Scott McTominay, Christian Eriksen, Antony and Garnacho (if he doesn’t start), are likely to get chances. The Red Devils will be hoping for a winning start to the 2024/25 season and bring smiles to our fans’ faces. Let’s see if Ten Hag can avenge last season’s home defeat against Silva’s men.
