Manchester United desperately need a victory but this could be yet another disappointing encounter for Erik ten Hag’s team.
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Fulham vs Manchester United odds
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Fulham vs Manchester United predictions
Yet again, it is groundhog day at Manchester United. More than 10 years since their last Premier League title, the Red Devils look as far away as ever from claiming a 21st championship crown.
How quickly things fall apart. At the end of last season there was a feeling that United were finally getting their act together.
For starters, they had a manager at the helm who looked to be at the cutting edge of the modern game.
David Moyes, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick were not up to it. Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho were past their best. But Erik ten Hag had done a fantastic job at Ajax, all while promoting youth and playing attractive football.
A third-place finish in the league and an EFL Cup triumph represented a positive debut campaign at Old Trafford. The objective was to kick on in 2023/24 and at least get closer to the top.
Instead, United have gone backwards – and by quite a way. They are eighth in the Premier League, third in their Champions League group and out of the EFL Cup.
They have lost eight of their 15 matches in all competitions – a majority – and have barely played well across 90 minutes, with the possible exception of the 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace in the EFL Cup.
The problems at the club run far deeper than Ten Hag. Sacking him would not suddenly make United a better team. In fact, things could get even worse.
Yet the Dutchman is beginning to come under pressure and he is certainly not immune from criticism. Another defeat this weekend would put Ten Hag in a vulnerable position. It would also leave United as rank outsiders to finish in the top four.
📝 Fulham vs Manchester United betting tips
Manchester United are stuck in a rut and Fulham can take advantage of their woes when the two teams go head-to-head in the early kick-off on Saturday.
Fulham or draw – 4/6 (bet365)
The latest ignominious episode of Manchester United’s season came on Wednesday night, as Newcastle United ran out 3-0 winners at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup.
That followed a defeat by the same scoreline at the hands of Manchester City last weekend. It was one of the easiest games the champions will have all season.
United desperately need a response but it is hard to see one appearing at Craven Cottage. The players’ confidence is on the floor. Results have been poor so far but performances have arguably been even worse.
Take the expected goals standings, which measure the quality of chances a team creates and concedes. United rank 11th, suggesting they are slightly fortunate to be eighth in the real table.
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Based on that statistic at least, they are performing at a similar level to Crystal Palace, the archetypal mid-table team.
Fulham have nothing to fear on Saturday, then. Marco Silva’s side have not set the world alight this term, but they have a knack for picking up points every so often.
It is hard to think of more ideal circumstances for Fulham to deny United a victory at Craven Cottage for the first time since August 2010.
⚽ Tip a Fulham win or a draw in the double chance market at 4/6 with bet365⚽
Under 2.5 goals – Evens (888sport)
As the above fact illustrates, Manchester United have a terrific record in this fixture. In the last 15 meetings (at any ground and in all competitions), Fulham have won none, drawn two and lost 13.
On a brighter note, they have scored in each of their last five head-to-head clashes with United, despite avoiding defeat on only one occasion.
This game feels like it could be short of goals, though. Only four teams – Crystal Palace, Bournemouth, Burnley and Sheffield United – have scored fewer goals than Fulham this term.
Without Aleksandar Mitrovic up top, the Cottagers are without a prolific talisman. Raul Jimenez is past his best, while Carlos Vinicius only managed five goals in 32 matches last season.
United are not exactly firing on all cylinders going forward either. Remarkably, an attacking player has scored only one goal for the Red Devils in the Premier League this term – Marcus Rashford in the 3-1 loss to Arsenal two months ago.
This could be an attritional encounter and two goals or fewer would be an astute selection.
⚽ Back under 2.5 goals at evens with 888sport ⚽
Draw at half-time – 13/10 (BetMGM)
On a similar note, do not be surprised if this game remains goalless at the interval. It is difficult to envisage Manchester United making a fast start given how low morale must be right now.
As for Fulham, they rank bottom of the first half table in 2023/24. They have scored just two goals in the opening period of their 10 matches, so Silva’s side are clearly not the quickest out of the blocks.
Both teams will take more risks in the second period and neutrals will hope that the match opens up at that point.
But before that we could be in store for a cagey 45 minutes of football in west London.
⚽ Go for a draw at half-time at 13/10 with BetMGM ⚽
📺 How to watch Fulham vs Manchester United
- Location: Craven Cottage, London, England.
- Date and time: Saturday 4 November 2023, 12.30pm.
- How to watch: TNT Sports 1.
About the author
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a freelance football writer from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work published by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
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