The highly anticipated clash Man United – Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday offers both sides a chance to set the tone for their Premier League 2025-26 campaign.

While Fulham salvaged a dramatic late draw at Brighton, Manchester United fell narrowly to Arsenal in their opener.

History could be on the line as well: the Red Devils are aiming for a ninth consecutive away league victory over Fulham — something they have never achieved against any other opponent.

Key facts before Man United – Fulham

Manchester United come into this fixture with a mixed record.

Rúben Amorim’s men were competitive against Arsenal, but lapses in finishing and a costly error from goalkeeper Altay Bayındır condemned them to a 1-0 defeat.

Despite the setback, the performance of summer signings Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha showed promise.

Statistically, United have only ever lost their opening two league matches in a season twice before — 1992-93 (when they ended as champions) and 2022-23 (when they finished third and lifted the EFL Cup). That precedent could provide optimism for supporters.

Fulham, meanwhile, remain difficult to predict.

Marco Silva’s side are on a run of three consecutive home defeats in the Premier League, something the Portuguese coach has never experienced before in his managerial career.

Still, Rodrigo Muniz’s dramatic equaliser against Brighton suggests the Cottagers have attacking resilience, particularly with links to a potential move away now appearing to quiet down.

Notably, Fulham’s FA Cup penalty shootout triumph over United in March provides psychological encouragement, but in the league, the Red Devils have been dominant in this fixture, with eight successive wins away to Fulham.

Predictions and tactical analysis for Man United – Fulham

This Man United – Fulham meeting is likely to be defined by tactical discipline and moments of quality.

Amorim will push his side to replicate the pressing and forward movement displayed at the Emirates, while demanding more clinical finishing from Šeško and Cunha.

Fernandes’ creativity remains crucial, and Onana’s expected return in goal should provide stability.

Fulham will look to frustrate with a compact defensive block, relying on counterattacks and set pieces.

Much will depend on whether Silva opts for Raul Jiménez or sticks with Muniz, whose form could tilt the attacking balance.

Andreas Pereira facing his former club adds another narrative layer, while Emile Smith Rowe’s creativity offers flexibility in the No.10 role.

Given United’s superior individual quality, a narrow away win looks likely — but if Fulham can disrupt the rhythm in midfield, the game could prove far tighter than anticipated.

Predicted score: Fulham 1-2 Manchester United.

Team news and possible lineups

In terms of team news, Manchester United remain without Lisandro Martínez (knee) and Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring).

Amorim confirmed that André Onana is fit again, but whether he displaces Bayındır immediately remains to be seen.

Benjamin Šeško, who came off the bench against Arsenal, could start here, potentially replacing Mason Mount in the XI.

Fulham’s main concerns are at left-back.

Antonee Robinson (knee) and Ryan Sessegnon (unspecified) both missed the Brighton clash and are doubtful again, leaving Calvin Bassey as the most likely starter in that position.

Further forward, Silva must decide between Smith Rowe, Josh King, and Pereira in midfield, with Muniz expected to lead the line after his late heroics.

Fulham possible XI: Leno; Tete, Andersen, Cuenca, Bassey; Berge, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz.

Manchester United possible XI: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Šeško.