United have managed just one clean sheet in their last 14 competitive matches, including the Community Shield.
Fulham lost nine of their 19 away matches last season.
United have been defeated only once in their last seven matches at Old Trafford.
Spotlight on Ten Hag and United
The Premier League is back this weekend, and Manchester United kick off their campaign with a Friday night clash at Old Trafford against Fulham.
Towards the end of last season, there was speculation that United might see a new manager for the 2024/25 campaign, until they pulled off a sensational victory against Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
Erik ten Hag will be under the spotlight if United don’t start well, but this opening match against Fulham looks very much within their reach.
Fulham have seen the departure of Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich but have brought in Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal. They secured a 2-1 victory at Old Trafford last February, but repeating that result this Friday could be difficult.
Back United to win, but expect them to concede
Since Fulham’s win at Old Trafford, only Arsenal have managed to beat United at home. Overall, United were strong at home last season, winning 10 of their 19 matches.
United were perhaps unlucky not to beat City at Wembley, missing several clear chances before losing on penalties.
Fulham lost nine of their 19 away matches last season, and they may need time to adjust this term after losing Palhinha, making a home win likely.
However, Ten Hag faces defensive challenges as new signing Leny Yoro is out until October. United had no natural defenders on the bench against City, and while Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof are expected back on Friday, the defence still seems shaky. New arrivals Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui are unlikely to feature after joining recently.
United have managed just one clean sheet in their last 14 competitive matches and have conceded in six of their last seven at home. Fulham have scored in six of their last seven encounters with United and could manage a goal on Friday, even if they don’t secure a draw.
Garnacho a Goal Contender
A 2-1 win for United is the most likely outcome in what could be a close contest. United are expected to dominate possession and create chances, but they were wasteful against City, and have only scored more than twice in two of their last 13 games.
Alejandro Garnacho had plenty of opportunities last season, averaging 2.8 shots per game in the league, though he only netted seven goals. The Argentine could have a more fruitful campaign this year, having found his finishing touch. Garnacho scored in the FA Cup final and from the bench at Wembley last weekend. He is likely to start on Friday and could well open the season with a goal.
Betting Tip – United to win at 1/2
