Manchester United vs Fulham: Betting tips and analysis

Against all odds, football fans are strapping themselves in for another glorious season of Erik ten Hag-ball at Manchester United

Our man Matt Hill runs the rule over the 2024-25 Premier League season’s curtain-raiser as the Red Devils welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Friday night — including 6/4 and 11/4 fancies.

Tale of the tape

Manchester United

I can’t have been the only person shocked to see Erik ten Hag survive the summer at Manchester United. Heck, I imagine even Erik himself was pleasantly surprised.

Strong rumours of the new Red Devils hierarchy trying to line up Thomas Tuchel as his replacement are unlikely have been unfounded, yet no deal was struck and the Dutchman has been given a reprieve.

Was that a good call from Jim Ratcliffe and co? Only time will tell, but I think it’s fair to say a bad start to this season could prove terminal for the ex-Ajax boss, who has never really felt fully embraced in Manchester.

Chances of a turnaround likely hinge on how quickly new signings Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui can hit the ground running in English football — along with some kinder luck on the injury front.

That was one table that United did manage to top last term, with their 45 reported “time-loss” absences prompting INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford to launch an internal audit into the club’s recovery facilities and processes.

Fulham

Fulham boss Marco Silva’s future also looked uncertain for large periods of this summer, though the Portuguese boss was in the slightly different position of actually being in-demand.

Fair play to him, though. For a second season running, he opted to turn down the ludicrous riches of the Saudi Pro League and settle for making an honest living as a Premier League gaffer instead.

Silva staying put is arguably the Cottagers’ best bit of business this summer. Raking in £50million for Joao Palhinha certainly helps the books but finding a replacement of similar quality is going to be nigh-on impossible.

Add in Tosin Adarabioyo’s departure to Chelsea on a free, plus the exits of experienced campaigners such as Willian and Tim Ream, and there’s reason to be worried about how they may fare in 2024-25.

Emile Smith Rowe looks a great pick-up from Arsenal though and providing a couple more follow him before the transfer deadline, Fulham should still be capable of a mid-table finish this term.

Manchester United vs Fulham: Betting tips and predictions

Pre-season losses to Arsenal and Liverpool were concerning from a Red Devils perspective but they turned in a stronger performance when losing the Community Shield to old foes Manchester City on penalties last weekend.

Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho were both bright sparks and while they still look a bit shaky at the back, you always feel this team will create chances when there’s space to exploit in behind.

Fulham had a rotten record against United prior to their 2-1 win at Old Trafford in February. That was only a fourth win in 34 head-to-head meetings, so they should carry confidence into this one.

Their pre-season has been hit and miss and with some key players and characters leaving that dressing room this summer, I’m not in a mad rush to get them on side in the early weeks of this campaign.

United are short-priced favourites for a win here with goals also expected. Therefore, I’ve looked elsewhere and might have found a nice trend with the corners market in this fixture.

These two met three times last season when you include their FA Cup quarter-final clash. In those clashes, the Cottagers racked up 25 corners (hauls of nine, nine and seven respectively).

Given they will be looking to play on the transition again here, I think a few wagers on the away corners line looks very appealing at the prices.

Odds Now’s best bets for Manchester United vs Fulham

Fulham to get over 5.5 corners – 2pts @ 6/4 (Sporting Index)

Fulham to get over 6.5 corners – 1pt @ 11/4 (Sporting Index)

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