The Premier League finally returns tonight, with the opening game being a blockbuster clash between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford. Etienne Jones looks at team news, key information, and players ahead of this clash that kicks the season off.
Both teams have been busy over the summer, making additions and sales to their squads to give themselves the best chance of success in the upcoming season. With Erik ten Hag being awarded a new deal and backing, the pressure is on him and the Red Devils to perform. On the other hand, Marco Silva will look to consolidate and secure survival for a third consecutive season with his Cottagers, and maybe make a surprise push for European football.
Manchester United have the upper hand in recent fixtures, picking up 14 wins over their opponents while Fulham have only managed one, with three draws between them. However, Silva's men have an impressive unbeaten streak of five away games. They will aim to continue this form and upset their opponents on the opening day of the Premier League. This potential upset could make critics rethink their preseason predictions.
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Team News
Manchester United may have added depth to their squad, but their injury worries are not out of the woods just yet. A new signing Leny Yoro headlines the absentees, with a leg injury during the pre-season proceedings ruling the defender out till November. He joins Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof as one of the defensive injuries plaguing the squad.
Striker Rasmus Hojlund will not kick off his Premier League ambitions either as a hamstring injury also rules him out of the start of the season, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee in contention to make his Red Devils debut. The striker from Bologna was purchased for £40m and will get the chance to lead the line ahead of the new campaign. Noussair Mazraoui, a £15m addition from Bayern Munich, is also likely to be featured from the off. Tyrell Malacia is set not to be included in the squad, after his long absence after surgery early last season.
Wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo is likely to start, after his impressive Euro 2024 campaign with England. Moreover, Diogo Dalot, Alejandro Garnacho, and Lisandro Martinez will also return from their respective European competitions.
Bruno Fernandes is expected to continue his strong performances at Old Trafford. Amad Diallo, who previously played on loan for Sunderland, could make a surprise appearance. His inclusion will depend on whether Marcus Rashford is available to play.
The Cottagers, on the other hand, have no immediate injury worries. Fans' favorite Joao Palhinha finally departed the club after huge links to Bayern Munich, while Tosin Adarabioyo, Bobby Decordova-Reid, and Tim Ream have also departed on permanent contracts. In return, Fulham have added Emile Smith-Rowe as the marquee signing in a £30m deal from Arsenal, to improve options in the attacking midfield.
Former youth graduate Ryan Sessegnon also arrives on a free transfer from neighbors Tottenham Hotspur, with the wing-back looking to revive his career at the ground where he got his first opportunity. Spanish center-back Jorge Cuenca also joins him in London, arriving on a £7m deal from Villareal after impressing the Fulham scouts. All three new additions could be expected to feature.
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Probable Line-ups
Manchester United: Onana; Mazraoui, Martinez, Maguire, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford; Zirkzee.
Fulham: Leno; Robinson, Bassey, Diop, Castagne; Pereira, Lukic; Iwobi, Smith Rowe, Traore; Muniz.
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Key Players
Manchester United - Bruno Fernandes
The aforementioned Bruno Fernandes is expected to have another terrific season in the Red Devils shirt, and it is easy to see why. The Portuguese attacking midfielder has established himself as a key player for Erik ten Hag, securing 10 goals and eight assists in what was a lackluster season for the Manchester-based team. Ranking in the top 7% worldwide for expected goals and assists, Fernandes is somewhat of a junction in the Manchester United team, with his skill and ability used as a creative outlet.
With United looking to continue to develop their youngsters, as well as get Zirkzee and Hojlund firing early into the season, Fernandes will become crucial to United's success this season. His ability to make his work count during big games will become vital in derbies and top-six clashes, especially for games like today, when United need to kick on to gain positive reactions from their fans.
Being in the top 2% of progressive passers in the top 14 leagues, Fernandes can get the crowd off their feet and get Manchester United scoring, making him my key player for this weekend.
Fulham - Antonee Robinson
Antonee Robinson was a contender for team of the season last campaign, as his under-the-radar displays on the left impressed fans and critics alike. His ability to intercept and tackle opponents consistently provided defensive stability for Marco Silva, while his 2.81 progressive carries per 90 also helped create opportunities, picking up six assists last season.
With key players arriving and departing the club, Fulham have managed to fend off interest for the American international, and he will look to build on for another impressive season. His influence in the squad will be depended on, and fans will hope his willingness to drive down the wing and create chances will be expanded this season. The Cottagers should count themselves lucky that they have such an attacking full-back as their asset, and this makes him my pick for the Fulham key player.
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Key Information
The game kicks off on Friday 16th August at 3 pm EST, at the Old Trafford ground in Manchester. The fixture can be watched on Sky Sports Main Event, Ultra HD, or any relevant American streaming platform.
