In the first fixture of the 2024-25 Premier League season, Manchester United face Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday night.
After guiding the Red Devils to a top-four finish in his maiden season in charge, Erik ten Hag’s side sunk to an eighth place finish in the top-flight last term.
That represented United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish, with their subsequent FA Cup triumph over fierce rivals Man City saving boss ten Hag from the sack.
United have since locked horns with City again at Wembley in this year’s Community Shield, with Pep Guardiola’s side coming out on top thanks to a 7-6 penalty shootout victory following a 1-1 draw in normal time.
As for Fulham, they were unable to replicate their top half finish from two seasons when placing 13th last term.
While losing key midfielder João Palhinha over the summer was a huge blow for Marco Silva’s men, they should have enough about them to stay out of relegation trouble and enjoy another season of consolidation.
How the bookies view it: Red Devils to hit the ground running
Manchester United kicked off their Premier League campaign last season with a home win and they are 11/20 (Bet 365) to repeat the trick on Friday night.
Fulham -who avoided defeat in each of their final three away games of last season – are big underdogs at 5/1 (Bet 365) while the draw is also deemed unlikely at 15/4 with William Hill.
Head to head: Fulham targeting another Old Trafford triumph
Fulham stunned Man United with a dramatic stoppage-time winner to claim a 2-1 win at Old Trafford last season, their first league victory at this venue since 2003.
However, it’s worth noting Man United have held the upper hand in this fixture more often than not, as the Red Devils were unbeaten in 19 Premier League matches against Fulham before last term’s setback.
Players to watch: Mainoo to make his mark?
Kobbie Mainoo netted Man United's second goal in their 2-1 win over Man City in last season’s FA Cup final. The teenage sensation is even-money (1/1) on Bet 365 to attempt just one shot during this game and that holds plenty of appeal.
Emile Smith Rowe has scored two goals in two pre-season games for Fulham, making him an eye-catching option for an on-target effort at 11/10 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
Having picked up injuries during the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, both Rasmus Hojlund and Leny Yoro have been ruled out for Manchester United.
As already mentioned, Fulham new boy Emile Smith Rowe has impressed during pre-season and is in line to make his competitive debut at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Manchester United: Onana; Dalot, Evans, Maguire, Martinez; Casemiro, Mainoo; Danillo, Fernandes, Garnacho; Rashford
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Diop, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Lukic; Traore, Smith Rowe, Iwobi; Muniz
Anything else catch the eye?
Manchester United are too short to side with at the aforementioned price so I’ll dip into the Bet Builder market with a view to bolstering the odds.
Backing the Red Devils to come out on top and to pick up at least one card in the process will bring about a backable 4/5 (Bet 365) play.
United were averaging a shade under two yellow cards per-game when operating at Old Trafford in the Premier League last season.
What's more, this combination clicked in eight of the Red Devils’ final 10 top-flight triumphs last term, so the same formula merits support at 4/5 (Bet 365) on Friday night.
This English Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham will be played on Aug 16, 2024 and kick off at 20:00. Check below for our tipsters best Manchester United vs Fulham prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
Well in mate, great tipping!