Man United vs. Fulham confirmed lineups, predicted starting 11, team news: Will Matthijs de Ligt start Premier League opener?

The Premier League returns for the 2024/25 season on Friday, August 16 as Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag begins his third campaign in charge of the Red Devils after being given the backing of the INEOS sports management group following an end-of-season review. The Dutch coach was given a reprieve for a terrible league season due to United winning the FA Cup, plus the mitigating circumstances of INEOS’ protracted sporting takeover and a massive injury crisis. However, he knows he will be under serious pressure to prove he is the right man for the role.

Fulham were 2-1 winners in this fixture last season and Marco Silva has a stronger squad at his disposal for this visit, with new signing Emile Smith Rowe likely to make his league debut for the club.

Below are the predicted lineups and the latest team news for the two sides.

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Man United vs. Fulham lineups, predicted starting 11, team news

Ten Hag will have to decide whether or not to start new signings Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. He may well choose to throw them both straight in given United’s ongoing defensive injury issues.

Amad Diallo started the Community Shield last week and will likely keep his place given his good preseason form. The main question is whether Marcus Rashford or new signing Joshua Zirkzee will start ahead of the injured Rasmus Hojlund in attack, unless Ten Hag opts to experiment with Jadon Sancho or perhaps use more of a double false-nine approach with Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount.

Man United predicted XI (4-2-3-1, right to left): Onana (GK) — Mazraoui, De Ligt, Martinez, Dalot — Casemiro, Mainoo — Amad, Fernandes, Garnacho — Rashford. 

Fulham have a fully fit squad to choose from as they attempt to make it back-to-back league wins at Old Trafford. New midfield signing Emile Smith Rowe is set to start and will likely join former United man Andreas Pereira in midfield.

Ryan Sessegnon will hope to be involved after rejoining the club following his Tottenham exit this year.

Fulham predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Leno (GK) — Tete, Diop, Bassey, Robinson —Pereira, Lukic, Smith Rowe — Traore, Muniz, Iwobi.

Man United vs. Fulham live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this Premier League match across selected areas of the world’s major regions: