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Ratings: Rashford & Fernandes won the match; Garnacho, Fred & Wan-Bissaka did well; City apoplectic with rage in defeat – serves them right

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Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 at Old Trafford in the Premier League. Jack Grealish opened up the scoring in the second half with a great header on the hour. Bruno Fernandes equalised in the 78th minute with Marcus Rashford offside and running with the ball. VAR gave the goal as Rashford did not touch it. Rashford then struck with his 16th goal this season in the 82nd minute to get the win for United.

It was a bright start for both teams in the 189th Manchester derby. Anthony Martial was caught offside in the seventh minute as Bruno Fernandes tried to provide him with the ball. Two minutes later, Tyrell Malacia was caught offside as Martial tried to send the ball forward. Fernandes had the first shot of the match, provided the ball by Christian Eriksen but he completely missed the target. United needed to find improvement in the final third to win this.

Martial was caught offside again in the 19th minute of the match after David De Gea tried to find him with an over the top ball. Erling Haaland had an attempt on goal in the 23rd minute of the match but it was blocked with United easily stopping the Norwegian striker. There was a break in the match after Malacia suffered a head injury in the 31st minute – it was nothing bad just him hitting his head on the floor after a foul by Kyle Walker.

Marcus Rashford had an attempt on goal blocked in the 34th minute of the match after Fernandes found him with the ball. Seconds later, Martial saw an attempt blocked after Casemiro sent the ball into him. Rashford then saw his attempt on goal saved by Ederson after he used his pace to break through the defence from the left. Rashford then seemed to pull up on a later run which looked like he had received an injury at a tough time for United.

Rashford came back on the pitch but it was not looking all that good for him. It was United who will be pleased by their performance in the first half of the match but it was City that had more of the ball – however they did not really do anything with it. In the first minute of time added on at the end of the first half, Walker had a distanced shot on goal which curled to the right and was off target before it even became a problem for De Gea.

This was a tactical battle of wits at Old Trafford and United were winning that battle with more chances with less of the ball. City needed to grow into the second half of the match with United just needing to make their chances get them a goal. This derby is still to be won but it shows how United have improved this season as they were 4-0 down a halt time back on October, which will have frustrated both City and Pep Guardiola. United could well prevail here.

At the start of the second half, with Rashford expected to be replaced by Antony, who was warming up before the end of the first half and during the break, it was in fact Martial who was replaced so Rashford must have been fit enough to continue. Antony was caught offside as Fernandes tried to find him with the ball in the 47th minute. Bernardo Silva had a shot blocked the next minute with United trying to hold their own in the second half.

Raphaël Varane was caught offside in the 52nd minute as Christian Eriksen tried to find him in the box with the ball. In the 57th minute, City made their first substitution with Jack Grealish replacing Phil Foden. On the hour, three minutes after coming on Grealish found the back of the net with a header after Kevin De Bruyne played the ball into him. It was a poor goal for United to concede. However, they were 5-1 down in the 64th minute in the last match.

In the 64th minute Christian Eriksen became the first player to be booked in the derby. Aaron Wan-Bissaka saw an attempt on goal blocked in the 67th minute which was something the Old Trafford faithful loved and it really got the crowd motivated. Ten Hag made his second substitution in the 72nd minute with Alejandro Garnacho replacing Christian Eriksen. United then pushed to find a goal in the game to see them back in it.

That goal came in the 76th minute with Marcus Rashford running the ball towards the box in an offside position, although he does not touch it. Bruno Fernandes was shouting at hims to leave it and the Portuguese midfielder scored his fourth goal of the season beating Ederson from close range. United were back in the match. VAR looked at the goal, which was flagged by the assistant, giving the goal. City were apoplectic with rage.

Four minutes later, United were ahead for the first time in the match. Marcus Rashford had scored his 16th goal of the season. Casemiro had his fourth assist of the season. City had gone from a winning position to a losing position in four minutes. That will upset the Berties who have clearly supported the club since they won the Arabian Oil Lottery. Haaland missed the target in the 87th minute. Fred was booked in the 88th and Casemiro in the 90th.

Ten Hag made a triple substitution in the second minute of added time with Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Lisandro Martínez replacing Rashford, Casemiro and Malacia. Garnacho was caught offside in the third minute of added time after Fernandes tried to find him with the ball. The match came to an end with seven minutes of added time being played with United taking all three points. What a result for United and Ten Hag.

Player Ratings

David De Gea: Seemed to use his feet more than his hands against this illiberal City side. Got the better of his opposition at times but had no chance with Grealish’s headed effort on goal which opened the scoring on the hour mark of the match. It was a shame he could not have got another clean sheet but three points in this match, considering the result of the last Manchester derby is the result that was needed more. ★★★★★★

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Last season, City got the better of Wan-Bissaka all of the time. But in this match, they had not joy with him playing a blinder. He has risen in stature this season and his flurry of opportunities with Dalot on the sidelines will strengthen him more. Ten Hag will be pleased with what he got from Wan-Bissaka recently, which might even extend his career at the Theatre of Dreams with him being a likely departure this year. ★★★★★★★

Raphael Varane: The Frenchman tracked Haaland well and seemingly kept him quiet throughout the match. From the Norwegian scoring a hat-trick against United in October to having no viable chances on goal is a big turnaround for United. Varane commanded with his aerial duels and was complimented well with Shaw playing alongside him, presumably for that Barcelona match with Martinez suspended. A great player to have. ★★★★★★★

Luke Shaw: Played in the centre of defence once again, with Barcelona in mind with Martinez suspended for the first leg in the UEFA Europa League. Haaland did not really challenge him. Shaw resorted to some cynical defending, which was a benefit for the team. Had a header late on which pressured City. He will be proud of what he gave for United, playing in the centre of the defence not his usual left-back role. Ten Hag tactics. ★★★★★★★

Tyrell Malacia: Played at left-back with Shaw in the centre of the defence. He justified his selection with an astute performance and seemed to be helping the attack and defending well at times. He was dragged out of his position for Grealish’s goal, which seemingly came from nothing. United hunkered down and pushed City, finding two goals in four minutes. Malacia was replaced by Martinez two minutes into added time. ★★★★★★

Casemiro: His usual midfield partner played at number ten so Fred, his international midfield partner, was brought in against City. The Brazilian could not stop De Bruyne from finding Grealish in the box for City’s only goal. However, he got the assist for United’s equaliser which Rashford protected with Fernandes taking the touch to beat Ederson. He helped to defend the lead before he was replaced by McTominay in added time. ★★★★★★

Fred: De Bruyne got the better of him early on in the match, which was a shame. He then won two duels against the Belgian midfielder, which saw him get praise from the crowd. The Brazilian has been so much better for United this season. He was committed to the cause against City and was proactive once again in his play. He and Ten Hag will be pleased with what he has become. He will be looking to start more this season now. ★★★★★★★★

Bruno Fernandes: Earlier in the match he shot wide of the target, which should have perhaps been on target or even a goal. He did overcome that problem later in the match by scoring the equaliser for United which was ran towards goal by Rashford, although he did not touch the ball. VAR got involved but gave the goal to City’s dismay. What a derby it was for Fernandes and United and long may his form continue to rise. ★★★★★★★

Christian Eriksen: Played in the number ten role. He linked up the play well throughout his performance, although he seemed settled playing a deeper role for United. The advanced role might have been too much for him in the second half as he waned a little and was replaced by Garnacho six minutes before United scored the equaliser. He’s a decent player for United, one of the best this season but he will need to be rested at times. ★★★★★

Marcus Rashford: The England forward had two great chances on goal before it looked like his match was over before the end of the first half. It was expected that he would be substituted in the break, but it was Martial who was off. Played a good game by running the ball into the box before Fernandes struck to score the equaliser, which enraged City. Stuck four minutes later with a goal of his own – his 16th so far this season. What a performance. ★★★★★★★★

Anthony Martial: The Frenchman has not looked right for a few matches now. He did very little in the first half against City. It is frustrating to see Martial play like this when he has the chance to prove himself. Now that Wout Weghorst has arrived at the Old Trafford club on loan for the remainder of the season, United will have a player to stand in for Martial, which is needed right now. Martial was replaced by Antony at the start of the second half. ★★★★

Substitutes

Antony: Replaced Martial 46′. Added some pace and flair both other than that, he gave nothing in this victory over City. He’s going to need to be inspired to do more for United. He did not suit this game, which was why he started on the bench, I guess. His pace and flair are the stand out attributes for him but to get involved more will be the main motivation for him. Still, he has five goals this season and will want more. ★★★★★

Alejandro Garnacho: Replaced Eriksen 72′. The teenager that will play for Argentina has been raising his game every time he has played for United. His pace and ability on the ball will be a big problem for any team, especially as his confidence rises. He showed that against City by getting the assist for Rashford’s goal, which was the winner. He’s come a long way this season and has something that United require. What a player he could be. ★★★★★★★

Harry Maguire: Replaced Rashford 90+2′. Did not really get much time to get into the match. Came on with about five minutes of added time to play. Fresh legs in defence to keep City at bay – which worked as United defended their lead to win the second Manchester derby of the season and rising into third place in the Premier League. He may not start much these days but he has something to offer and will be rotated into matches. ★★★★★

Scott McTominay: Replaced Casemiro 90+2′. Like Maguire, had little time on the pitch and not much involvement. The fresh legs late in the match were to guide United through and ensure they kept the team and therefore the three points. After his performance against Charlton earlier in the week, he was lucky to come on. But each match is different. He did what was expected of him and United kept the lead and the win. ★★★★★

Lisandro Martinez: Replaced Malacia 90+2′. I thought he would start but there is clearly something in Shaw being tested to play in his position against Barcelona in the first leg of the Europa League play off round with the Argentinian World Cup winner being suspended. He came on and did what was required to keep United ahead, taking all three points from the match. I would expect him to start against Crystal Palace on Wednesday. ★★★★★

Match Information

Goals: Bruno Fernandes 78’, Marcus Rashford 82’; Jack Grealish 60′

Assists: Casemiro 78′, Alejandro Garnacho 82′; Kevin De Bruyne 60′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Shaw, Malacia (Martinez 90+2′); Casemiro (McTominay 90+2′), Fred; Fernandes, Eriksen (Garnacho 72′), Rashford (Maguire 90+2′); Martial (Antony 46′)

Substitutes Not Used: Heaton; Lindelof; Mainoo; Elanga

Bookings: Christian Eriksen 64′, Fred 88′, Casemiro 90′

Written by John Walker



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Manchester United

Ratings: De Gea, Martinez & Sabitzer were great against Fulham; Fernandes’ brace was a positive too

Published

5 days ago

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March 20, 2023

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Manchester United beat Fulham 3-1 at Old Trafford in the Emirate FA Cup quarter final. It was Fulham who were the better team for large spells as Aleksandar Mitrović opening the scoring in the 50th minute of the match. A Willian handball gave a penalty for United which Bruno Fernandes scored – Willian, Mitrović and Marco Silva were sent off. Marcel Saboteur then scored his first goal for United before Fernandes scored a second.

Fulham started well at Old Trafford with Aleksandar Mitrović showing great strength down the right in the second minute, whipping in a good ball that Scott McTominay had to be alert to knock behind. Harry Maguire then headed clear the resulting set-piece. David De Gea made a save in the third minute as Issa Diop was found 15-yards out on an angle, looping a good header towards De Gea, who had the help the ball over the crossbar. Fulham were lively.

In the fourth minute of the match Mitrović had a penalty appeal waved away after he thought he was fouled by Luke Shaw in the box. United seemed to be sloppy from the start with Maguire adding to it with bad passing from the back. Andreas Pereira then drove forward in the eighth minute, found Mitrović who then set up Willian on the edge of the box, who should have found more but hit his effort far and wide of the target. United needed to be so much better.

In the tenth minute, Bruno Fernandes was down needing treatment after seemingly being elbowed just above his waist. He was fine to continue though. Marcus Rashford launched an attack in the 13th minute, finding Wout Weghorst on the edge of the box for the Dutchman’s finish was not good enough and was straight at Bernd Leno. Mitrović seemed to be lively in the early stages of the match, seeking a goal against United in the Emirates FA Cup.

Fulham had a good chance in the 14th minute with Harrison Reed nicking the ball off Lisandro Martinez then charging into the box. He had three in the box but his final ball was not good enough and the ball was cleared out for a corner. The corner found its way to Tim Ream on the left flank and he delivered a good ball across the face of the goal but there were no takers for Fulham. Andreas Pereira was booked in the 18th minute for a foul on Rashford.

Maguire was booked three minutes later, which would be a suspension for the semi final of the competition, should United get there where the winner of this match will face Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley. United were close in the 24th minute as Rashford cut onto his right foot, curled the ball into where Weghorst and Marcel Sabitzer were but neither of them could reach it in the end. Fulham wanted another penalty in the 26th minute after Mitrović went down.

It was not given though as there was nothing in it – other than a dive for Mitrović. Fulham had a chance in the 31st minute but Mitrović was unable to find the back of the net. United had a chance at the other end a minute later with Rashford the source of imagination for United but on his final ball, Leno was able to get to block it which ricocheted of Rashford and out for a goal kick. United then started to find some flow but needed a lot more than they had brought to far.

Martinez defended well in the 40th minute as Mitrović was sent up the channel, having an eye for the box. He tried to beat the Argentinian defender with a change of pace but Martinez stayed strong and came away with the ball. Sabitzer had a chance on goal in the 41st minute, taking on a strike from 22-yards but Leno parried it away. Jadon Sancho started something a minute later, with Sabitzer also involved but Rashford did not get to it. It was 0-0 at half time.

There were no substitutions for either team during the break. Fulham started on top again in the second half with João Palhinha and Reed keeping the chance alive, Willian then back heeled the ball to Antonee Robinson who shot at goal but De Gea tipped it over the crossbar. De Gea made another save a minute later was Willian struck from the edge of the box. Fulham opened the scoring in the 50th minute through Mitrović, who buried the ball provided by Issa Diop.

In the 54th minute, United went direct to Weghorst who held it for Rashford, then finding Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder took his strike from the edge of the box but it was wide of the target. Ten Hag made a substitution in the 59th minute with Antony replacing McTominay. Willian started rolling back the years in the 64th minute, showing his class and ability. He was unable to inspire Fulham to double their lead though. United still needed to get something back.

De Gea performed another great save in the 66th after Mitrović rose highest to head towards goal. Fernandes had some involvement in something in the 68th minute, sending it in to Sancho, who struck it and it deflected off Rashford. In the 70th minute, Willian seemed to handle the ball, being honest about it. VAR got involved and the referee looked at the screen. He sent Willian off and gave United a penalty – it was a harsh sending off for the Brazilian.

Mitrović got nasty, pushed the referee and pushed his face into his face and was sent off for that. Marco Silva was also sent off for his reaction from the double red card, which turned into a treble. Fernandes took the penalty, scoring his ninth goal of the season for United. Two minutes later, Sabitzer scored his first goal for United after Shaw played the ball into him as he was running in the box. VAR looked at the goal and awarded it. United were 1-0 down to 2-1 up.

That was a dramatic ten minutes. Willian was perhaps treated badly for that sending off but what Mitrović did was out of order and he deserves that. Silva also deserved to be sent off for his reaction to what happened. Some will say United got their way with the referees again but it was purely on Fulham what happened. United just gained from it. That is what happens in football. The Fernandes penalty followed by the Saboteur goal was brilliant for United.

United seemed to cool the game down after that, trying to keep possession – dominating the game, which was a first to be fair. It was a terrible game for United before the penalty. Antony came close in the 88th minute – it tested Leno and Diop but he was not able to score. Fred replaced Rashford in the 83rd minute of the match, giving United more in the midfield with them 2-1 up at this stage of the match. United just needed to keep the ball and keep Fulham a bay.

In the 89th minute, Luis Boa Norte – Fulham’s assistant manager, made a triple substitution with Cédric Spares, Manot Solomon and Daniel James replacing Kenny Tete, Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Harrison Reed. In the 90th minute, Tom Cairney replaced Andreas Pereira. Seven minutes were added at the end of the second half. United found a third goal, through Fernandes – his tenth of the season, assisted by Fred in the sixth minute of added time.

It was United that would face Brighton and Hove Albion in the Emirates FA Cup semi final at Wembley in April with Manchester City facing Sheffield United in the other semi final. United’s match will probably be on Sunday 23 April as they are playing in the UEFA Europa League the Thursday prior to the match. Ten Hag was happy, United were happy and the supporters were happy. Another trip to Wembley for United – another chance for another trophy this season.

Player Ratings

David De Gea: Made some great saves to deny Fulham – one of which kept them in the game. Conceded to Mitrović but later in the second half, that threat was gone. It was a comfortable match for De Gea. ★★★★★★★★

Aaron Wan-Bissaka: Did not seem to be at his best until Antony was on the pitch. His final third play before that was dire. Their ability with each other is good to see. One of the better aspects of his game. ★★★★★★

Harry Maguire: Not the best performances – one of the worst. Hauled down Mitrović and was booked for it – therefore misses the semi final. Kept his place as Raphael Varane was ill and regressed massively. ★★★★★

Lisandro Martinez: The Argentinian really imposed himself against Fulham, although Harrison Reed did cause him to misjudge him. That said, he was great at the back for United and health with Aleksandar Mitrović well. ★★★★★★★★

Luke Shaw: Did not really get going to help United on the attack much. Did get his seventh assist of the season though playing the ball into Marcel Sabitzer for him to score his first United goal, overlapping Jadon Sancho. ★★★★★★★

Scott McTominay: He was disciplined positionally when he did not have the ball – not that he was bad with it. He got a chance on goal just before the break. Replaced by Antony in the 58th minute of the match – before the madness. ★★★★★

Marcel Sabitzer: Scored his first goal for United. Took time to adjust with Scott McTominay. Had a good shot in the first half and played in a cross. His goal was a brilliant finish – first Austrian to score for United. ★★★★★★★★

Jadon Sancho: Seemed off the pace in the first half. Seemed slow on and off the ball at times. Did not get much dynamism in the match but did win the penalty for United with the ball touching Willian’s hand. ★★★★★★

Bruno Fernandes: Careless with the ball at times. He changed his performance when United won the penalty levelling from the spot. He got his second of the game in added time, giving him ten goals and 10 assists this season. ★★★★★★★

Marcus Rashford: He was the one player that created something in the first half. He was quiet in the second half and did not get many chances. He was replaced by Fred in the 83rd minute with United 2-1 up. ★★★★★★

Wout Weghorst: It was not a great day for the Dutchman against Fulham. He was unable to get many chances towards goal, with his first shot not actually a shot, more of a back pass. He was put in the number ten role. ★★★★★

Substitutes

Antony: Replaced McTominay 58′. He helped United on the attack with led to the penalty. He was lively since his introduction. It was good that he recovered from illness ahead of this match. Superb player on his day. ★★★★★★★

Fred: Replaced Rashford 83′. Came on giving more energy with United in the lead. He got his fourth assist of the season for Fernandes’ second goal of the match. He was an important substitute for United. ★★★★★★

Match Information

Goals: Bruno Fernandes 75′ penalty’, 90+6′, Marcel Sabitzer 77′; Aleksandar Mitrović 50′

Assists: Luke Shaw 77′, Fred 90+6′; Issa Diop 50′

Manchester United: De Gea; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; McTominay (Antony 58′), Sabitzer; Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford (Fred 83′); Weghorst

Substitutes Not Used: Butland; Lindelof, Malacia, Dalot; Mainoo; Pellistri, Elanga

Bookings: Harry Maguire 21′; Andreas Pereira 18′, Willian s/o 72′, Aleksandar Mitrović 72′

Written by John Walker



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Manchester United

Confirmed XI: Maguire & Martinez in defence; Sabitzer, Sancho, Fernandes & Rashford supporting Weghorst in attack against Fulham

Published

5 days ago

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March 19, 2023

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Manchester United face Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford this afternoon. Erik ten Hag’s side will play their second quarter final of the season days after reaching their third quarter final in the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Sevilla over two legs next month. This match against Fulham is the final match for United prior to the international break, then the season will continue with United playing nine matches in April – another busy month.

Should United beat Fulham and earn a semi final place in the FA Cup this season, the match against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League would be postponed as that is the weekend the semi finals will be played at Wembley, so United would need to find the time to reschedule that match, plus the one against Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend. Should United go all the way in both competitions, they will have a busy period ahead.

United and Fulham have already met at Craven Cottage in the Premier League this season, just prior to the FIFA World Cup where United won 2-1 with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the winner in in the last minute of added time. United will face Fulham again at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season. The draw for the semi final of the FA Cup should be done prior to this match commencing, providing extra time is not needed between Brighton and Grimsby Town.

Manchester United

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw;

McTominay, Sabitzer;

Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford;

Weghorst

Substitutes

Butland; Lindelof, Malacia, Dalot; Fred, Mainoo; Antony, Pellistri, Elanga

Fulham

Leno;

Tete, Diop, Ream, Robinson;

Reed, Palhinha;

De Cordova-Reid, Pereira, Willian;

Mitrovic

Substitutes

Rodak; Adarabioyo, Soares; Cairney, James, Lukic; Wilson, Solomon, Vinicius

United and Fulham have met 87 times in all competitions in the history of both clubs. United have won 53 times, drawn 20 times and lost 14 times. Earlier this season United beat Fulham 2-1 at Craven Cottage, just prior to the FIFA World Cup with Christian Eriksen and Alejandro Garnacho scoring either side of Dan James’ equaliser. This will be the second meeting of the two teams this season – United face Fulham at Old Trafford in the final Premier League match this season.

United and Fulham have met 14 times in the FA Cup – United have won eight times, drawn four times and lost twice. The last defeat to Fulham in the FA Cup came back in 1908. United have scored 27 goals, conceded 15 and kept four clean sheets. The last time the two teams met in the FA Cup was back in 2013 – a 4-1 victory at Old Trafford with Ryan Giggs, Wayne Rooney and a brave from Javier Hernandez before Aaron Hughes scored a late consolation goal.

Andreas Pereira, Dimitar Berbatov, Andy Cole, Louis Saha, Edwin van de Sar, Paul Parker, Kieran Richardson, Ryan Tunnicliffe, Chris Smalling, Tim Fosu-Mensah, George Best and Charlie Mitten have all played for both Manchester United and Fulham. Best is probably the most well-known along with van de Sar, Parker, Cole, Berbatov, Mitten Saha and Smalling. Pereira is doing well at Fulham after being sold by United. He has three goals and six assists in 31 appearances so far.

Written by John Walker



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Manchester United

Predicted XI: [4-2-3-1] Pellistri, Weghorst & Rashford lead attack? Fernandes, McTominay & Sabitzer secure midfield? Varane & Martinez in defence?

Published

6 days ago

on

March 18, 2023

By

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Manchester United face Fulham in the Emirates FA Cup quarter final at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. Erik ten Hag’s side will play their second quarter final of the season days after reaching their third quarter final in the UEFA Europa League, where they will face Sevilla over two legs next month. This match against Fulham is the final match for United prior to the international break, then the season will continue with United playing nine matches in April – another busy month.

Should United beat Fulham and earn a semi final place in the FA Cup this season, the match against Chelsea at Old Trafford in the Premier League would be postponed as that is the weekend the semi finals will be played at Wembley, so United would need to find the time to reschedule that match, plus the one against Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend. Should United go all the way in both competitions, they will have a busy period ahead.

United and Fulham have already met at Craven Cottage in the Premier League this season, just prior to the FIFA World Cup where United won 2-1 with Alejandro Garnacho scoring the winner in in the last minute of added time. United will face Fulham again at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League season. The draw for the semi final of the FA Cup should be done prior to this match commencing, providing extra time is not needed between Brighton and Grimsby Town.

Predicted Manchester United Starting XI – 4-3-3

De Gea;

Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw;

Fernandes, McTominay, Sabitzer;

Pellistri, Weghorst, Rashford

Goalkeeper: De Gea

David De Gea has been a positive for United for the majority of the season. He will want to help guide United to more trophies this season after already helping the club lift the Carabao Cup this season. United have earned a UEFA Europa League quarter final next month and will be seeking to reach the semi final of the Emirates FA Cup by beating Fulham. I cannot see Jack Butland or Tom Heaton playing in goal this weekend if De Gea is fit to do so.

Granted, De Gea will need to keep fresh but having not been selected to represent Spain during the international break, he will get a fortnight off to rest and recover ahead of the next busy period for United which will see them play nine matches in April and beating Fulham will postpone another Premier League match which will need to be placed into the calendar just like the clash with Brighton and Hove Albion that should have been played this weekend.

United will probably need to rotate in the coming month or so but not now. Solidifying their place in the Premier League will need to be done as a minimum this season with the priority being to lift the Emirates FA Cup and the UEFA Europa League, seeking a cup treble in Erik ten Hag’s first season, which would really upset the ABUs. However, lifting either of them would be a positive alongside the Carabao Cup and show that United are on their way to coming back.

Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Shaw

United’s defence has done well this season but there is a bigger test ahead of them which will result in the likes of Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire getting more minutes during the remainder of the season. That said, it is Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez who are the preferred central defensive partnership at United this season with the Frenchman and the Argentinian complimenting themselves. Another strong purchase in the summer could solve the defence.

I think Varane, who was rested for the Real Betis victory will start against Fulham with Martinez parenting him once again. The Argentinian came off in the last 15 minutes on Thursday, giving him a bit more time to recover for Sunday’s match. He will be happy with the number of fixtures he has been playing this season though, as will Varane. They hold the keys for United getting into the semi finals of the Emirates FA Cup this season and I think United will do that.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka should start as the right-back against Fulham as for much of the season he has been a positive impact. That said, against Betis, he was not his usual self, which could have been caused by fatigue. Diogo Dalot is a positive player but since his latest return from injury, he’s not been the same player. Luke Shaw, who was rested against Betis to start against Fulham. He has had a great season and will be seeking to make it even better. This defence is United’s best.

Midfield: Fernandes, McTominay, Sabitzer

United’s midfield will face a blow for the next four domestic fixtures with Casemiro suspended after his red card against Southampton last weekend. It will be something that United will have to deal with though. Against Fulham, United could revert to a midfield three in a 4-3-3 formation as Bruno Fernandes has been playing as a central midfielder more recently which could be to counteract the absence of Casemiro. United still have a few options so it is up to Ten Hag.

Fernandes should keep his place as he’s not going to get much rest having been selected for Portugal during the international break with compatriot Diogo Dalot. Fernandes has been off the boil in the last few matches, which could be down to United’s busy fixture schedule and the fact he’s played in all but two matches thus far. Scott McTominay could also start, playing as the defensive minded midfielder – a role in which he has played many times before.

Marcel Sabitzer made his return after missing two matches due to a knock against Real Betis on Thursday evening, coming off the bench. He could start in this match to aid Fernandes in the attacking midfield role as he has an eye for a goal and enjoys playing further forward. United could change their formation at times during the match too. Fred is also an option but he’s largely been an impact substitute this season and could prove something extra against Fulham.

Forwards: Pellistri, Weghorst, Rashford

Facundo Pellistri should start for United against Fulham after playing well against Real Betis. Antony is likely to miss out this match and with Jadon Sancho in poor form, playing the young Uruguayan would be a much better option as he has done well when called upon this season. He made his first start for the club on Thursday evening and seemed to be lively on the attack, doing well on the right flank. United could rotate him for the remainder of the season, which would work.

Wout Weghorst will continue to play as the striker in this team whilst Anthony Martial is still recovering from his current injury before the next one comes. Despite the criticism and the lack of goals scored, he has been a largely positive player for United since making his loan move from Fulham, well Besiktas where he had been loaned to last summer. He has two goals to his name so far and three assists, so is on the right track – he will be seeking to score again though.

Marcus Rashford is the player to beat this season after he scored his 27th goal of the season on Thursday evening. Granted, he was off the pace for much of the match but in the 55th minute, se stepped up and scored a brilliant goal for United to settle the tie giving United a four-goal cushion in their eventual 5-1 aggregate victory. Rashford will be tired but also determined to succeed for United this season in what has been his best season yet for the Old Trafford club.

Substitutes: Heaton; Lindelof, Maguire, Malacia, Dalot; Fred, Mainoo; Sancho, Elanga

Ten Hag will be able to name nine players on the bench against Fulham, three short of what he could have named in the UEFA Europa League – although he only had ten players on the bench because of illness and injury. I would expect Tom Heaton to remain on the bench as the reserve goalkeeper against Fulham with De Gea expected to start once again for United. I cannot see another goalkeeper coming in at this stage of the season, unless there is an injury.

In the defence, United have the best depth going into this match. Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Tyrell Malacia and Diogo Dalot should all be available for United. The defence is not the worst that it has been for United post-Sir Alex Ferguson but there is room for improvement. In the midfield, Fred and Kobbie Mainoo could be called on to make an impact if needed which would be good for the pair of them if it happens. United are literally at bare bones in this area now.

In the attack, United could have just Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga on the bench with the likelihood that Antony and Anthony Martial both miss this match, which really cuts down the attacking options for Ten Hag. That said, the players that start the match should be good enough to find the victory for United and Sancho could get a chance to show his ability once again and Elanga could finally start to show some promise, which would be good to see.

Written by John Walker



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