Manchester United vs Fulham Match Preview: Kick-off time, Team News, TV Channel and Score Prediction
Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford for their tie in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Competition: FA Cup Quarter-final
Venue: Old Trafford
Kick Off: 16:30 UK Time
TV Channel: ITV
How do Manchester United Look?
United’s most recent game against Real Betis saw the side run out 1-0 victors and secure their qualification to the next round of the Europa League. Real Betis started the better of the two sides and had chances to score early, but Juanmi and Joaquin failed to hit the target. United’s only big chance in the first half would come just before half time when Wout Weghorst got onto the end of Facundo Pellistri’s volley, but the striker could only direct the ball onto the post. Erik ten Hag handed Pellistri his first start for United after joining the club in the summer of 2020 and the Uruguayan impressed on the right wing with a few nice touches. Pellistri has been staking his claim for starts after some good cameos off the bench in United’s recent games.
The Reds stepped up their performance in the second half and started to create some chances. Marcus Rashford had the chance to give United the lead in the 55th minute when he played a smart one-two with Bruno Fernandes to get into the Betis box but he blasted his shot well over the bar and squandered a great opportunity. Merely a minute later Rashford would atone for his mistake. Rashford picked up the ball in space and took a stride forward before arrowing the ball in the bottom corner from 35 yards out, giving United the lead. United were now four goals up on aggregate and managed to see the game out comfortably. United advance to the next round of the Europa League where they will face another Spanish opponent in Sevilla.
Anthony Martial has been back in training this week but it is yet to be seen whether he will be deemed fit enough to be a part of the matchday squad for Fulham.
Opponents: Fulham
Fulham have been a surprise package in the Premier League this season. The Whites find themselves sitting in 9th so far and play some good football under manager Marco Silva. With that being said they find themselves in a tough spot at the moment having failed to win in their last three Premier League games. Marco Silva will see this trip to Old Trafford as a chance for his side to bounce back and make a statement while also extending their run in the FA Cup.
One player United will need to be wary of when they face Fulham on Sunday is Aleksander Mitrovic. The Serbian striker has silenced doubters in this season and is currently sitting on 11 goals in the Premier League. Another player who has been key for Fulham this season in Andreas Pereira. Pereira departed United in the summer and has been a creative force for Fulham this season racking up six assists in the league so far. The Brazilian is strong at set-piece delivery so United will need to ensure they’re organised to deal with his threat.
Prediction
Manchester United haven’t been at their best in recent weeks but should have enough to beat Fulham and progress in the FA Cup. Marco Silva’s side gave United problems when the two faced off earlier in the season despite eventually losing the game 2-1. Their performance in that game will give Silva hope that they can come away with a win at Old Trafford.
Manchester United 2-0 Fulham.
