Manchester United’s 2024/25 campaign is set to get underway this evening as they prepare to host Fulham for their eighth-straight season opener at Old Trafford.
History looks to be on Erik ten Hag’s side given the fact Fulham have never beaten United when the two sides have met in the opening match of the season, but will want to look for revenge after their brutally late 2-1 defeat last season saw Alex Iwobi punish a poor defensive performance with a 97th-minute winner.
However, the United backline will have a much different look to it as this summer’s additions of Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich will look to make an instant impact. Ahead of the match, Ten Hag hinted at the pair’s immediate introduction for this evening’s clash.
“Issues are there but it’s not about the players who are not available, it’s about the players who are available,” he claimed in his pre-match press conference. “We have a good group, we can make a strong selection, we can put out a strong team and we will do.
“They [Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui] will be in the squad. And Harry Maguire will be in the squad as well.”
Will United be able to hit the ground running in the Dutchman’s third season at the helm? Well, a number of pundits have given their predictions but some of them aren’t on the same page about United’s chances.
Paul Merson
Writing for SportsKeeda, Merson said: “This is going to be a hard game for Manchester United. They can have their days where they look really good, but they’ll be up and down this season. If they can win this game, it’ll be a good result for them.
“Manchester United’s transfer window has dragged along a bit. De Ligt didn’t feature for the Netherlands, and he’s played for a Bayern Munich team that dominates the ball. It’ll go one of only two ways – he’ll either be unbelievable or horrible for them. They’ve sold Wan-Bissaka, and I thought he was one of their better defenders.
“Lisandro Martinez is fit again, and he did very well before his injury. With Luke Shaw ruled out till the international break, he could play out at full-back, with De Ligt and Harry Maguire as centre-backs. Diogo Dalot was one of Man United’s better players last season and should feature in their defence this week.
“Fulham are a good team if their players can stay fit. They keep the ball well and can cause problems – this could be a funny game. Man United will need to be patient to win this game. Fulham could frustrate United in their opening game, and I’m backing them to pull off a draw here.
Leave a Reply