Man United finished the previous season by lifting the FA Cup trophy but there’s no denying that they had yet another poor Premier League campaign.
With 14 losses in 38 league matches, Manchester United finished an embarrassing 8th on the league table but despite that, the new INEOS owners have decided to keep their faith in Erik ten Hag. Not only, has ETH managed to retain his job but the club has also backed him superbly in the ongoing transfer window.
The manager has absolutely no excuse remaining and with the kind of window Man United are having, the fans will expect them to finish at least in the top four by the end of May 2025.
For the time being, they kick off their 2024/25 campaign on Friday night when they welcome Fulham at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s team news and injuries:
Luke Shaw like always has picked up yet another injury and the manager has confirmed that the left-back will be out for the first couple of matches. Shaw has spent more time in the treatment room than on the pitch for Manchester United and last season, he featured in only 15 matches for the Red Devils.
Thankfully, Man United have brought in Noussair Mazraoui just in time and the ex-Bayern man will be in line to start against Fulham.
Ten Hag has confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt will also be part of the matchday squad but we think the centre-back will start on the bench with Harry Maguire and Martinez pairing up in central defence.
Luke Shaw has now joined Hojlund, Tyrell Malacia and Leny Yoro on the sidelines and all four players will be out for the next few weeks.
Man United are still trying to sign a new defensive midfielder so for the time being Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro will pair up in the middle of the pitch.
Amad has been superb in all the pre-season games and he is definitely going to start on the right flank. It will not be a surprise if the Man United manager chooses to use Garnacho ahead of Rashford on the other flank.
Marcus Rashford was really poor last season, scoring just 8 goals in 43 appearances and because this is a do-or-die situation for Ten Hag, the Man United manager won’t shy away from taking the hard decisions.
With Hojlund out injured, summer signing Joshua Zirkzee should lead the line on Friday night.
Man United predicted line up vs Fulham:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Onana; Maguire, Diogo Dalot, Martinez, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, Garnacho/Marcus Rashford, Amad; Zirkzee.
