Manchester United will be looking to recover from their EFL Cup loss when they visit Fulham. On Wednesday, the Red Devils’ pitiful EFL Cup defense came to an end as they lost 3-0 at home to Newcastle United. Their hosts advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Ipswich Town 3-1.
Preview (Fulham vs. Manchester United)
Top-tier matches between Ipswich Town and Fulham may be on the horizon for 2024–2025. However, Marco Silva’s team gave their second-tier hosts a hard reality check in the EFL Cup. Despite all of Ipswich’s prowess in the final third, the Tractor Boys frequently forget to keep the back door closed. On Wednesday night, Fulham took full advantage as Harry Wilson, Rodrigo Muniz, and Tom Cairney all made the net bulge. Ipswich goalkeeper Christian Walton won’t want to see either of the latter or former goals reversed.
Elkan Baggott’s header in the 79th minute came too late to spark a comeback. Fulham’s matchup with Everton in the semifinals will offer a spot in the semis. Silva’s Cottagers’ first aim now is to restore some much-needed top-flight consistency. In their most recent matchup in the Premier League, Fulham held Brighton & Hove Albion to a 1-1 draw. It prevented the Seagulls from winning the league for the first time. It sent the Seagulls down to 14th position in the process. This was made possible by a superb drive from Joao Palhinha. It was an all-around dominant performance from the touch-tackling Portuguese.
The Red Devils meekly gave up the title just over eight months after losing to Man United’s dominance at Wembley. Miguel Almiron’s opening goal, Lewis Hall’s amazing volley, and an unstoppable Joe Willock run and finish caused Newcastle to breach a few more Old Trafford fortress walls. Unwanted records were already tied when the Citizens defeated Erik ten Hag’s team three goals to none last weekend. However, it doesn’t seem like the Cottagers will have a better opportunity to end that 17-game curse.
Team News
The Fulham medical bay, where Issa Diop (foot), Tosin Adarabioyo (groin), Adama Traore (thigh), and Kenny Tete (unspecified) waited on Wednesday evening, has seen very little movement in or out during the previous few weeks. Though Muniz’s first-season goal at Portman Road served as justification for his manager’s selection. Silva faces his largest selection conundrum at number nin. Traore and Tete are nearing full health and could make the squad this next weekend. After joining the Cottagers in the summer, Raul Jimenez has not scored a goal. Silva has suggested that Muniz may now push his way past Jimenez, and that Bernard Leno, Tim Ream, and Anthony Robinson will drop back to the back.
When it rains, it pours for Manchester United, who welcomed Casemiro back from an ankle injury during their loss to Newcastle. However, the former Real Madrid player was later forced off the field at halftime due to an additional, unidentified problem, and at most, he will only start on the bench this time. The visiting team will also be without Luke Shaw (muscle), Adandelo Diallo (knee), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Lisandro Martinez (foot). Rafael Varane will also require a once-over in the coming days owing to illness, which prevented him from playing in the EFL Cup. A rare bright spot for Aaron Wan-Bissaka was that he was able to play against the Magpies after complaining of a thigh injury.
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
For more football previews, click here
