Manchester United, a club with a storied soccer history, finished a disappointing 8th in the Premier League last season. As they look to improve in the 2024-25 season, winning against lower-ranked teams like Fulham, especially at home at Old Trafford, will be crucial. So, will they kick off the new campaign with a victory? Let’s take a closer look.
Match details
- Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
- Date: Friday, August 16, 2024
- Time: 3:00 p.m. ET
- How to Watch: NBC/USA Network
Will Manchester United start strong in the 2024-25 Premier League opener?
Manchester United’s 2024-25 campaign unofficially began with a match against Manchester City in the Community Shield, where they competed as FA Cup champions. The game ended 1-1 in regular time, but City claimed the trophy on penalties. Despite the loss, United had reasons to be optimistic, particularly with their midfielders—Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, and Mason Mount—showing solid control in the game, although goal-scoring opportunities were limited on both sides.
One reason for the lack of chances could be the performance of forwards Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, who struggled to create space. This could change if Erik ten Hag opts to start new signing Joshua Zirkzee. The 23-year-old Dutch forward is coming off a strong season with Bologna, where he scored 11 goals in 34 Serie A appearances.
Fulham’s offensive potential looks stronger this season
Fulham finished 13th in the Premier League last season with a goal differential of 55:61. While that’s a decent showing, they appear poised to be even more dangerous offensively this season. Over the summer, they sold defensive midfielder Joao Palhinha to Bayern Munich and reinvested the funds in attacking talent. Their most notable acquisition is Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal, a versatile playmaker known for his creativity. Additionally, they brought back winger Ryan Sessegnon from Tottenham, a former Fulham star.
To bolster their defense, Fulham signed Jorge Cuenca from Villarreal, a defender known for his attacking mindset, suggesting Fulham will be pushing forward more aggressively this season.
Manchester United vs. Fulham prediction
We anticipate a high-scoring affair in this Premier League season opener. While Fulham has the capability to find the back of the net, Manchester United is expected to dominate on August 16. Our prediction is a convincing win for the home team, with multiple goals scored.
Pick: Manchester United & Over 2.5 Goals
