You can argue that the 2024-25 campaign has already started for Erik ten Haag’s men. They played against their city rivals Manchester City in the Community Shield as the winners of the FA Cup. It was a close game that finished 1:1 in regulation, but afterward, the Cityzens won the trophy on penalties.
Despite losing in the end, the Red Devils can be satisfied with what they showed on the field. Their midfielders – Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount – did a fine job in controlling the game, although they didn’t create too many chances (but neither did Man City).
One of the possible explanations for this is that the two forwards Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho weren’t creating much space, so they were unable to pass the ball to them. This might change if ten Haag decides to put his new signing Joshua Zirkzee in action. The 23-year-old Dutchman is coming off a spectacular season with Bologna, which saw him score 11 goals in 34 Serie A games.
Fulham Looking More Dangerous Offensively Than Last Season
Last season, Fulham finished in the 13th place in the Premier League with a 55:61 score differential. Not too bad, you may argue, but the Cottagers now look ready to score even more goals. During the summer transfer window, defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha moved to Bayern Munich.
Fulham used the money from that deal not to bring a replacement that fits the same profile, but to sign a couple of very good playmakers. Their biggest signing of the summer is ex-Arsenal Emile Smith Rowe, a Swiss army knife of a player who tends to get involved in a lot of chance creation. They also signed winger Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham, who used to be their star a few years ago.
Fulham also signed Villarreal’s Jorge Cuenca to strengthen their defensive line, but this guy is famous for being very attacking-minded for a defender.
Manchester United vs. Fulham Prediction
We expect to see a lot of goals in the Premier League season opener. Fulham looks capable of finding the net, but it’s Manchester United that should do it multiple times on August 16. That said, our prediction is that the home team will get a big win.
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