Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: BetUS
Old Trafford hosts a fascinating Premier League matchup on Sunday afternoon, as a resurgent Manchester United look to continue their charge under Michael Carrick, while Fulham arrive seeking to strengthen their own push for European qualification.
United sit on the brink of equalling Ruben Amorim’s longest league winning streak, while the visitors head north with renewed confidence after edging Brighton last time out.
Manchester United
One wonders what Ruben Amorim makes of the transformation taking place under his successor. Within two remarkable Premier League gameweeks, Carrick guided United to wins over both Manchester City and Arsenal—an unprecedented double not achieved by any manager since February 2010.
United’s 2-0 victory in the derby was followed by a thrilling 3-2 triumph at the Emirates. Bryan Mbeumo’s early finish, followed by a stunning goal from Patrick Dorgu and a sensational strike from Matheus Cunha, inflicted Arsenal’s first home defeat of the season in all competitions.
These high-profile wins have strengthened Carrick’s case for a long‑term appointment. United are now in control of the race for fourth place, holding a one‑point lead over Chelsea and a two‑point cushion over Liverpool. Their six‑match unbeaten league run is the longest active sequence in the division.
The Red Devils’ summer spending spree is finally translating into consistent attacking threat: they have scored in 11 consecutive Premier League matches, while their defence has conceded just once in their last three at Old Trafford.
Team News
Dorgu experienced both elation and despair at Arsenal—after scoring a goal‑of‑the‑season contender, he suffered a significant hamstring injury that is expected to rule him out for 10 weeks. His absence opens the door for Cunha or Benjamin Sesko, though Cunha is the likely choice after his Emirates heroics.
Beyond Dorgu, only Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Joshua Zirkzee (unspecified) remain concerns. Zirkzee has returned to training and may rejoin the matchday squad.
Fulham
Carrick has passed two huge tests, but Marco Silva poses another challenge. Determined to guide Fulham into Europe, Silva has overseen a dramatic turnaround since a wildly inconsistent opening half of the campaign, where nine wins and nine defeats defined their league form.
In contrast, Fulham have lost only once in their last eight matches across all competitions, collecting five victories along the way. Their most recent success came courtesy of Harry Wilson, whose stoppage‑time free‑kick secured a dramatic 2-1 comeback against Brighton at Craven Cottage.
The Cottagers now sit seventh and only four points off the top four. Key to their progress has been their transformation on the road: they have earned 10 points from their last five Premier League away matches, having taken just one point from their first six trips in 2025‑26.
Fulham also held United to a 1-1 draw earlier this season at Craven Cottage and claimed a memorable league win at Old Trafford in February 2024—though that remains their lone Premier League victory at the stadium from their last 20 visits.
Team News
Kenny Tete may return from a thigh injury, but Rodrigo Muniz and Saša Lukić are set to miss out with similar issues. The Nigerian trio of Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze have returned from AFCON duty.
While Chukwueze might normally be in contention for the XI, he is currently mourning the loss of his mother; even so, Silva has not ruled out the possibility of his involvement. New signing Oscar Bobb must wait for his debut.
Head‑to‑Head
Historically, United have dominated this fixture, winning the vast majority of meetings at Old Trafford. Fulham’s only Premier League victory at the Theatre of Dreams since 2003 came in February 2024.
United also held firm in the reverse fixture earlier this season, securing a 1-1 draw. With the Red Devils now in their best form of the season, the historical and current trends alike tilt in their favour.
Conclusion
Though Dorgu’s injury is a significant blow, it should not derail United’s revival. Carrick’s side are fluid, confident, and rich with attacking options, while Fulham’s six‑match run without a clean sheet hints at vulnerabilities.
The visitors will compete fiercely, but United appear well‑positioned to secure a third straight Premier League win.
Verdict: Home win
Best odds: 4/7
Bookmaker: BetUS
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