Manchester United Starting XI vs Fulham: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Manchester United Seek Lift-Off Against Fulham at Craven Cottage

First signs of structure under Amorim

Manchester United head to London in pursuit of their first Premier League victory of the season, with Fulham standing in their way at Craven Cottage. After a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford, attention now turns to whether Ruben Amorim’s side can build on encouraging signs despite that early setback.

Riccardo Calafiori’s 13th-minute header decided matters last weekend, but United’s defensive performance earned quiet praise. The trio of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw effectively blunted the Gunners’ attacking trio of Gabriel Martinelli, Viktor Gyokeres and Bukayo Saka.

Photo IMAGO

Encouragement also came in attack, with new arrivals Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Sesko all featuring. Sesko’s late cameo hinted at future involvement and Craven Cottage could now stage his full debut in red.

Shape, selections and subtle changes

Mason Mount shone in a left-sided No10 role against Arsenal, operating intelligently behind Cunha, who played as a central striker. Mbeumo, another new face, provided pace and energy on the right. It meant United skipper Bruno Fernandes dropped deeper to partner Casemiro in a midfield duo that balanced grit and guile.

Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot were deployed as wing-backs, though it was Amad Diallo who caught the eye from the bench. The Ivorian replaced Dalot on the right, injecting fresh urgency late on.

The make-up of the matchday squad remains a focus. Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund were both notable absentees against Arsenal and questions persist over their involvement this time.

Amorim stated both before and after the game that Onana had “recovered” from his pre-season injury, but the Cameroonian goalkeeper had only trained three times before the opener. As a result, Altay Bayindir got the nod.

Hojlund’s uncertain future

Reports claim that United want rid of the Danish striker, who has suitors from Germany and Italy. Hojlund was also omitted from the 20-man squad last Sunday.

Injury concerns persist elsewhere. Noussair Mazraoui remains a doubt due to a thigh issue, while Lisandro Martinez continues his comeback from an ACL injury.

United’s likely XI

Predicted Manchester United lineup in their 3-4-2-1 system: Onana, Yoro, de Ligt, Shaw, Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu, Mbeumo, Mount, Sesko.

Kick-off: 4.30pm BST, Sunday 24 August 2025.