Man Utd v Fulham – Preview, Predictions, and Best Bets

Man Utd host Fulham at Old Trafford . The Red Devils last won the FA Cup in 2016 when another Dutch manager was in charge, Louis Van Gaal. The Cottagers have only once made an FA Cup final, back in 1975 when they lost the showpiece. United have lost just once in 15 matches and in great form at Old Trafford.

Man Utd Form

The Red Devils are in great form overall with just one loss in their last 15 fixtures. Of course, that defeat was 7-0 at Anfield vs Liverpool and lives fresh in the memory. That loss ended an 11-match unbeaten streak which included lifting the Carabao Cup after beating Newcastle 2-0 in the final.

Since the thrashing on Merseyside, Man Utd have progressed to the Europa League quarter-finals. A 4-1 home win vs Real Betis was followed by a 1-0 win in Spain on Thursday evening for a 5-1 aggregate scoreline. In between those two fixtures, Erik Ten Hag’s side drew 0-0 with ten men at home to Southampton.

Man Utd Team News

The Red Devils could have Anthony Martial back in the squad for this one. Christian Eriksen is out injured and Casemiro is suspended. The midfield looks the big question mark as Fred was used higher up than Bruno Fernandes versus Real Betis. Marcel Sabitzer or Scott McTominay could replace Casemiro in this one.

Antony has a fever so the right wing and his involvement is in doubt. Jadon Sancho could take his place on the right but Facundo Pellistri is also pushing hard. A surprise option could be Fernandes on the right and either Sancho as the 10 or Sabitzer, Fred and McTominay all starting.

Man Utd Motivation

United are playing really well at Old Trafford and confidence is high. They will be very eager to reach the semi-finals of this competition.

With the League Cup already in the bag, Ten Hag will feel that a cup treble is a possibility so full attention, focus, and motivation going on this clash.

Fulham Form

Marco Silva’s side have had a great season. Prior to two recent defeats, they were seven matches unbeaten including wins vs Sunderland and Leeds to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals. That run also included a 0-0 draw at Chelsea and winning 1-0 at high-flying Brighton.

After a 1-1 home draw with Wolves and beating Leeds 2-0 in the fifth round, they lost two in a row with six goals leaked. A 3-2 loss at Brentford saw Fulham concede 2.20 xG from just 36% opposition possession. Last Sunday, they lost 3-0 at home to Arsenal and were totally outclassed in what could have been a heavier defeat.

Fulham Team News

There is a big boost in midfield with Joao Palhinha back from suspension. He is the league’s top tackler and will give a lot more steel alongside Harrison Reed. Willian should return from a back injury to play down the right.

Neeskens Kebano and Tom Cairney are out injured. Manor Solomon has five goals in his last six matches and should get the nod in preference to Bobby Decordova-Reid.

Fulham Motivation

Fulham are looking to make their first semi-final since 2022. They have a terrible record at Old Trafford but will have the belief they can spring a surprise here.

Marco Silva’s side plays an open game and doesn’t sit back so this match should have some goals.

Key Stats

Man Utd’s last 20 home matches have seen 17 wins and 3 draws

Man Utd’s Rashford has scored 18 goals in 22 matches since the World Cup

Man Utd have scored 2+ goals in 13 of their last 15 matches (all competitions)

Fulham are winless in 15 matches vs Man Utd (with 12 losses)

Fulham have 1 win in 25 matches vs Man Utd at Old Trafford

Fulham’s Mitrovic has 0 goals in 11 FA Cup fixtures

Verdict

The Red Devils have travelled back from playing in Spain on Thursday and they could have some fatigue in their legs. Fulham will give them a game but their backline is looking leaky and their record at Old Trafford is dire.