The spotlight falls on Man United vs Fulham this Sunday at Craven Cottage, as the Red Devils look to bounce back from their opening-day defeat to Arsenal.

For Rúben Amorim, the challenge is not only to secure his first points of the new campaign but also to extend Manchester United’s remarkable away record against Fulham, where they have triumphed in each of their last eight league visits.

Marco Silva’s side, meanwhile, enter the contest buoyed by Rodrigo Muniz’s last-gasp equaliser against Brighton, a reminder that the Cottagers can never be counted out on home soil.

Predicted XI for Man United vs Fulham

Manchester United are expected to line up in a flexible 3-4-3/3-5-2 system under Amorim, designed to balance defensive stability with attacking dynamism.

André Onana, having overcome doubts about his fitness, should reclaim his place between the posts after Altay Bayındır’s costly mistake against Arsenal.

In defence, new signing Leny Yoro is tipped to partner Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw, with Shaw shifting slightly inside to maintain balance.

Further forward, Amad Diallo could once again be deployed in a wide role, linking up with Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro, who remain the heartbeat of United’s midfield.

On the flanks, Patrick Dorgu may get the nod after impressing in training.

The attacking trio of Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha, and marquee signing Benjamin Šeško is expected to spearhead the attack, offering pace, movement, and finishing power.

Predicted lineup: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Shaw; Diallo, Fernandes, Casemiro, Dorgu; Mbeumo, Cunha, Šeško.

Key absences and available players

While United’s starting XI looks strong on paper, Amorim will once again have to cope without Lisandro Martínez (knee) and Noussair Mazraoui (hamstring).

Both defenders were instrumental in last season’s setup, and their absence deprives United of defensive versatility.

That said, the timely return of Onana provides a boost, as does the growing chemistry between De Ligt and Yoro.

On the Fulham side, Ryan Sessegnon (unspecified) and Antonee Robinson (knee) remain doubtful, leaving Marco Silva with limited options at left-back.

Calvin Bassey is therefore expected to continue in the role, while the attacking spotlight shines on Muniz after his late heroics against Brighton.

Raul Jiménez could see his minutes reduced as a result, with Silva also weighing up his choices in the No.10 role between Emile Smith Rowe, Josh King, and former United man Andreas Pereira.

Tactical approach: How Man United vs Fulham could play out

For United, the Man United vs Fulham fixture will test Amorim’s evolving tactical philosophy.

His side pressed aggressively against Arsenal, creating multiple chances but falling short due to poor finishing and Raya’s brilliance in goal.

Amorim is expected to persist with a high-energy, attacking style, encouraging quick transitions led by Mbeumo and Šeško, while Fernandes pulls the strings in midfield.

Fulham, on the other hand, will likely adopt a compact shape, looking to frustrate United and strike on the counter.

Their aerial threat from set-pieces could trouble United’s backline, especially with Martínez absent.

However, if United’s front three click, they have the tools to carve open Silva’s side and extend their remarkable record at Craven Cottage.

While Fulham will not make life easy at home, Manchester United’s attacking firepower looks too strong to contain if Amorim’s men can maintain composure in front of goal.

A narrow victory for the visitors seems the likeliest outcome, keeping alive their chance at setting a historic record in this long-standing rivalry.