Fulham — Manchester United : Match Preview and Prediction for August 24,2025

Fulham’s European aspirations fell short last season, as they ultimately finished in a modest 11th place in the league standings. There was an expectation of significant transfer activity to strengthen the squad, yet the summer window concluded with no major reinforcements, only the departure of reserve players. Under Marco Silva, the team demonstrated impressive form during their pre-season preparations, winning all three friendly matches with an aggregate score of 8-3. It’s noteworthy that these opponents were of a respectable caliber: Nottingham Forest (3-1), Al-Ittihad (4-2), and German side Eintracht Frankfurt (1-0). Despite the absence of new signings, the “Cottagers” possess a fairly well-rounded squad. This is particularly evident in their attacking line, which features talents such as Iwobi, Jimenez, Smith-Rowe, and Wilson. In goal, Bernd Leno, a former Arsenal number one, provides a solid presence. The main area requiring improvement appears to be defensive consistency. Their Premier League campaign began with a challenging fixture. Fulham were considered slight underdogs against Brighton, a team renowned for its attacking prowess. This narrative held true until the 90+7th minute, when Rodrigo Muniz dramatically equalized, securing a 1-1 draw. This late heroics perfectly showcased the “Cottagers'” characteristic fight until the very last minute. Marco Silva’s squad list for the match includes only two injured players: Sessegnon and Robinson.

A palpable sense of optimism surrounds Manchester United this season, driven by a renewed belief and several promising attacking signings. Yet, their opening fixture at Old Trafford against Arsenal proved a frustrating 0-1 defeat, immediately dampening spirits. Curiously, beyond a single corner-kick goal, the “Gunners” largely retreated into a deep defensive shell, allowing the “Red Devils” to utterly dominate proceedings. United registered a staggering 22 shots, with 7 hitting the target, and boasted an xG of 1.52, highlighting their misfortune. Even during pre-season, Ruben Amorim’s squad exhibited defensive frailties. While they maintained an unbeaten record, they managed only a single clean sheet across five friendly encounters: Leeds (0-0), West Ham (2-1), Bournemouth (4-1), Everton (2-2), and Fiorentina (1-1). The club’s hierarchy prioritized attacking reinforcement in the summer transfer window, bringing in three notable talents: Mbeumo, Cunha, and Sesko. Despite these promising additions, none of the attacking trio have yet managed to contribute with a goal or assist. The Portuguese coach continues to be without the services of Martinez and Mazraoui, and the availability of Onana for the upcoming fixture is still uncertain.