Manchester United travel to London on Sunday, September 20, for a Premier League clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage, kickoff scheduled for 4:30pm (15:30 GMT). As the first month of the season concludes, manager Michael Carrick faces intensifying pressure following a disappointing run that includes a dramatic League Cup exit to Brighton & Hove Albion.
United’s campaign has been marked by inconsistency, with the club losing three of six matches across all competitions. Their sole league victory came in a home fixture against promoted side Ipswich Town. Despite starting brightly in the recent Manchester derby, they were overtaken after Manchester City were reduced to ten men. Carrick has publicly accepted responsibility for the team’s struggles, emphasizing a collective focus on solutions rather than assigning blame ahead of the international break.
Fulham, under new manager Alvaro Arbeloa, have also struggled for form, entering the match without a league win this season. However, a draw against Liverpool and a League Cup victory over West Ham United suggest signs of improvement. The hosts will be looking to capitalize on United’s defensive vulnerabilities.
In terms of squad availability, Fulham are without Kenny Tete due to concussion and Tom Cairney through a knee injury. Ryan Sessegnon is expected to undergo a late fitness test regarding a groin problem. The predicted lineup features Leno in goal, with Garcia leading the attack alongside Bobb, King, and Iwobi.
Manchester United face their own injury concerns, with Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt, and Amad Diallo all ruled out. Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba remain doubtful due to ankle issues but could be included in the squad late. Erik ten Hag’s predicted XI includes Lammens between the posts, with Sesko up front supporting Fernandes and Cunha.
Historically, Manchester United dominate this fixture, having won 59 of the 93 previous meetings. Fulham’s last victory at Old Trafford came in February 2024, while their most recent home win against United dates back to December 2009. In their last meeting at Old Trafford in February 2026, United secured a 3-2 win in a high-scoring encounter.
Opta’s supercomputer projects a 47.4 percent chance of a Manchester United victory compared to Fulham’s 28.3 percent, reflecting the gap in form and historical dominance. Al Jazeera Sport will provide live text commentary starting from 12:30 GMT.
47% chance for a win feels generous for United right now. I’m predicting a shock draw here.
United missing De Ligt and Ugarte is brutal. Defense looks like a sieve, Fulham should punish them.
Fulham without a win yet but drew with Liverpool? That sounds like a trap game for United.
Carrick is supposed to manage them now? The article says Ten Hag is the predicted manager. Quite confusing.