Fulham vs Man Utd: Under pressure Ten Hag takes on Cottagers in crucial Prem clash – stream, TV channel, teams
MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag is under immense pressure as his side travel to Fulham for an intriguing Premier League contest.
Goals from Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock saw the Red Devils go crashing out of the Carabao Cup at the hands of Newcastle.
And it was a result that has now meant United have made their worst start to the season in 61 years.
But the Manchester giants will be expected to bounce back against Fulham who are lingering in the bottom half of the table.
However, Marco Silva‘s men go into this game fresh from a Carabao Cup fourth-round win against Championship outfit, Ipswich Town.
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Over the season, Man United are split with five league wins and five defeats.
Meanwhile, Fulham have won three and drawn three with four defeats.
Both teams have conceded 16 goals, though the Red Devils have scored two goals more.
Fulham’s issues stem from them losing Aleksandar Mitrovic over the summer.
Man United’s come from each of their forwards hitting a barren run of form.
Marcus Rashford has been off the pace this season, while Rasmus Hojlund still needs to find his feet in England but he has impressed in the Champions League.
Poor structure from back to front down to both injuries and poor form have also killed much of last season’s progress.
Fulham kickstarts a run of three favourable league games, and Ten Hag’s situation will start to look very bleak unless they win at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
What is their form like?
Fulham’s form has been a little erratic in recent weeks.
They have won two of their last six league games against newly-promoted Sheffield United and Luton.
They have lost to both Chelsea and Tottenham in that time and drew to Brighton and Crystal Palace.
In the Carabao Cup they have marched on into in quarter-finals after beating Norwich and Ipswich and now face Everton for a spot in the semi-final.
Meanwhile, Man United lost their Carabao Cup tie with a 3-0 humbling against Newcastle, which followed the 3-0 defeat to Man City at the weekend.
Before that United had won three on the bounce, so they will be hoping to get back to winning ways.
The Red Devils have not lost to Fulham in any competition since 2009, though given their fragility Marco Silva’s may be licking their lips in anticipation.
What is the team news?
Silva would have been pleased to see his side progress to the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup without picking up any new injuries.
However, he is set to continue without the quintet of Issa Diop (foot), Kenny Tete (muscle), Adama Traore (muscle), Tosin Adarabioyo (groin) and Steven Benda (cruciate ligament) for the United clash.
Elsewhere, Casemiro‘s return to the team was cut short as the Brazilian icon sustained a muscular injury during the Newcastle defeat.
And it could mean that Casemiro will be joining Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Amad Diallo (knee) and Luke Shaw (muscle) on the sidelines.
While there is still no return date for exiled Jadon Sancho.
Who will be the star men?
Joao Palhinha has continued to be Fulham’s midfield enforcer this season.
Not only that, but he is also their top goalscorer with two league goals.
The Portuguese midfielder could easily take control of the game given Man United’s own weaknesses in the middle of the park.
His performance in the match will be pivotal one way or the other.
In Man United’s case, the last games they won came with Christian Eriksen on the pitch influencing play.
United will expect to dominate Fulham in terms of possession, and this is where Man United will need Eriksen to make his influence count.
His ability to spray passes from deep and play line-breaking passes make him invaluable in a team with a real problem playing out from the back while Lisandro Martinez is sidelined.
However, his once he runs out of steam the Red Devils lose their control, meaning United will hope to have the game done and dusted by around 60-70 minutes.
What have the managers said?
Following Fulham’s win over Ipswich in the Carabao Cup Silva was encouraged by the “steps forward” he has seen.
He said: “We as a club have to be serious in the way we approach all the competitions, all the games. It doesn’t matter what it is, even in a busy week like this.
“Last season, we played a Quarter Final against Man United in the FA Cup but our Carabao Cup was not a good run at all.
“This season, we want to do it different and the way we have been playing has been really enjoyable to see. We are making the steps forward that I want.”
In the aftermath of the Newcastle defeat, Ten Hag remained defiant and said he was up for the fight.
Ten Hag said: “I’m a fighter, and I know it’s not always going up. We have [had] a lot of setbacks this season so far, but also then you have to deal with it, and that is never an excuse.
“When there are setbacks, when the routines in the way of play are not similar, not the same, but even then you have to get the results in. Obviously, Sunday [and] tonight, [were] far from [our standards].
“We have to do things right and at a certain level, at a minimum level, to win games.”
SunSport prediction
Man United will be demanding a reaction after two defeats on the spin.
They have not been at their best, but considering both teams scoring issues it could come down to who is more clinical on the day.
And based on that, we reckon the visitors will edge the contest.
Fulham 1-2 Man United.
When is Fulham vs Man Utd?
- Manchester United’s crucial lunchtime clash against Fulham will take place on Saturday, November 4.
- It is scheduled to get underway at 12:30pm GMT.
- Craven Cottage is the allocated venue for this Premier League match and it can host approximately 25,700 fans.
- Goals from Jadon Sancho and Bruno Fernandes helped United overturn a one-goal deficit when the sides met on the last day of the 2022/23 campaign.
What TV channel is it on and can it be live streamed?
- Fulham vs Manchester United will be broadcast LIVE on TNT Sports 1 in the UK.
- Coverage is expected to commence from 11am GMT – one hour and 30 minutes before kick-off.
- Fans can also stream the action on Discovery+ via any mobile device or tablet.
- Alternatively, follow SunSport’s live blog for minute-by-minute coverage of the entire match.
What are the latest odds?
- Fulham to win 23/10
- Draw 5/2
- Man Utd to win 11/10
*Odds courtesy of Paddy Power are correct at time of publication
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