Despite suffering back-to-back defeats in their last two games, Manchester United manager, Erik Ten Hag has assured fans that the team is determined to make a strong comeback and reclaim their place as one of England’s finest.
The Red Devils endured a 3-0 loss to their rivals Manchester City in the Premier League last weekend before being humiliated by Newcastle as they got dumped in the round of 16 with a 3-0 beating.
Both these defeats happened in front of their fans at Old Trafford, but as they prepare for their match against Fulham, Ten Hag expressed confidence in his team’s attitude and their commitment to bounce back.
While addressing the media in his prematch press conference on Friday, Ten Hag said: “Despite the setbacks, our dressing room remains strong, our staff is resolute, and I have faith in my role as the manager.
He added; “I have a talented squad. I believe in the potential of the players in the dressing room. We’ve seen what they can achieve in the past, and I take full responsibility for helping them perform better. I am determined to put in every effort to achieve this.”
United’s abysmal start to the season has seen them lose eight games in their first 15 games marking it their worst performance since the 1962-63 season.
Their opponent have manages only three wins in their opening nine matches, two of which were against newly-promoted sides, Luton Town and Sheffield United.
Despite their recent woes at Old Trafford, Man United approach this game with confidence, having secured two consecutive victories say from – a 2-1 against Sheffield United and 1-0 one against Burnley.
They hope to make their away run count, but they will have to do so without Casemiro, who suffered a hamstring injury during the Newcastle match.
The Brazilian joins Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Tyrell Malacia (knee), and Lisandro Martinez (foot) on the sidelines.
For Fulham, Issa Diop (foot), Tosin Adarabioyo (groin), Adama Traore (thigh), and Kenny Tete (unspecified) remain unavailable due to injuries.
Match Facts:
Fulham has only managed to win three of their 32 Premier League games against Manchester United.
The Cottagers haven’t secured a win in their last 15 league meetings against the Red Devils since their consecutive victories in March and December 2009 (D3, L12).
Fulham’s league record after 10 matches this season is identical to the previous season, but they’ve scored seven fewer goals.
Fulham hasn’t scored a first-half goal in a league match at Craven Cottage this season, making their first-half record the worst in the division, with Manchester United in the 18th spot.
Manchester United’s current season start with eight losses in their opening 15 fixtures is their worst since recording nine defeats in 1962-63 season.
This is the first time United has lost five of their opening 10 league matches in a season since 1986-87, when Alex Ferguson took over as manager.
Manchester United’s goal difference of -5 after 10 league fixtures is their worst since the 1972-73 season. Their goal difference has been lower only after three games of the 2020-21 season (-6).
Probable Line-ups:
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Manchester United: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund
