Manchester United will face Fulham in a Premier League clash at Craven Cottage, London, on Sunday, September 20, with kick-off scheduled for 4:30pm. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Main Event, according to Racing Post, as both clubs look to relieve early-season pressure.
Managerial Pressure Mounting for Carrick and Arbeloa
Both managers, Michael Carrick for Manchester United and Álvaro Arbeloa for Fulham, enter this fixture under considerable scrutiny. Carrick has become the new favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave his post, following back-to-back home defeats against Brighton in the EFL Cup and a 1-0 loss to ten-man Manchester City. Manchester United have secured just two wins in their six outings this season, against promoted Ipswich and Sabah in the Champions League.
Fulham boss Arbeloa is also seeking his first Premier League win, making him the first manager since Scott Parker in March/April 2019 to fail to win any of his first four league games. While Fulham picked up their first league point with a goalless draw against Liverpool last weekend, a 3-2 EFL Cup win against West Ham offered some relief.
Team Form and Defensive Concerns
Manchester United’s start to the Premier League season has been challenging, with four points from their first four games (W1 D1 L2), marking their joint fewest at this stage, as reported by BBC Sport. Defensive errors have plagued Carrick’s side, conceding seven goals in four league outings and keeping only one clean sheet in six matches across all competitions. Despite creating numerous chances, with 84 shots in four games, a lack of a proper number nine threat and struggles with creativity have been noted.
Fulham remain winless in the league after four games, securing just one point. However, they have shown attacking intent, averaging 15 shots per Premier League outing. Young Spanish attackers Gonzalo Garcia and Cesar Palacios, alongside homegrown talent Josh King, who has scored in home games against Chelsea and Crystal Palace this season, pose a threat to United’s defence.
Head-to-Head Record and Key Statistics
Historically, Manchester United have a strong record against Fulham, losing just one of their last 21 Premier League games against them (W16 D4), a 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford in February 2024. Fulham are also winless in their last 10 Premier League home games against Manchester United (D2 L8) since 2009.
Manchester United have hit the woodwork more times than any other team in the Premier League this season (five), with Bruno Fernandes notably hitting the upright in a previous match. Both teams have scored in the last three meetings between the sides, and four of Fulham’s six outings this season have seen over 2.5 goals.
Team News and Predicted Line-up
Fulham will be without Tom Cairney and Ryan Sessegnon due to injury, but Álvaro Arbeloa otherwise has a fully fit squad. Their predicted line-up (4-2-3-1) is: Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Garcia.
For Manchester United, Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, and Manuel Ugarte remain injured. There is also uncertainty regarding the fitness of Luke Shaw, who has missed the last three games.
FAQ
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When is the Manchester United vs Fulham match?
The match is scheduled for Sunday, September 20, with a 4:30pm kick-off.
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Where is the match being played?
The game will take place at Craven Cottage in London, Fulham’s home ground.
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Which managers are under pressure ahead of the game?
Both Manchester United’s Michael Carrick and Fulham’s Álvaro Arbeloa are under pressure, with Carrick being the favourite to be the first Premier League manager to leave his post and Arbeloa still seeking his first league win.
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What is Fulham’s recent home record against Manchester United?
Fulham are winless in their last 10 Premier League home games against Manchester United, recording two draws and eight losses since 2009.