Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson made a telling scoreline prediction for Manchester United’s opening Premier League match of the season against Fulham on Friday.
Manchester United will begin their 2024-25 Premier League campaign by welcoming Fulham to Old Trafford, with kick-off slated for 8pm UK time.
Erik ten Hag will be hopeful of United starting off the campaign with a strong performance after last season’s disappointing Premier League run.
United had their worst finish in the Premier League era last season, with Erik ten Hag’s men only managing an eighth-place position in the league table.
Despite the lacklustre league form, United were able to capture Europa League football after beating Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final in May.
Ten Hag’s side returned to Wembley last Saturday and suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the Community Shield clash.
Merson on Man Utd and transfer sale
Manchester United have strengthened Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad this summer after the Dutchman inked a new contract extension with the Red Devils.
Netherlands striker Joshua Zirkzee was signed from Serie A side Bologna and French defender Leny Yoro was snapped up from Ligue 1 outfit Lille.
The Red Devils also completed a stunning double swoop for former Ajax stars Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich.
United are still expected to sign a midfielder this summer, with Burnley’s Sander Berge and Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte both linked with the Red Devils.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson claimed that United sold “one of their better defenders” when they allowed Aaron Wan-Bissaka to leave the club.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka signed for West Ham after United made their intention clear to bring former Bayern Munich full-back Noussair Mazraoui to Old Trafford.
“This is going to be a hard game for Manchester United,” Merson said.
“They can have their days where they look really good, but they’ll be up and down this season. If they can win this game, it’ll be a good result for them.
“Manchester United’s transfer window has dragged along a bit. De Ligt didn’t feature for the Netherlands, and he’s played for a Bayern Munich team that dominates the ball. It’ll go one of only two ways – he’ll either be unbelievable or horrible for them.
“They’ve sold Wan-Bissaka, and I thought he was one of their better defenders.”
Merson makes Man Utd vs Fulham prediction
Merson has suggested that Marco Silva’s Fulham side “could frustrate” United at Old Trafford and has backed a 1-1 scoreline for the Premier League match.
“Lisandro Martinez is fit again, and he did very well before his injury,” he continued.
“With Luke Shaw ruled out till the international break, he could play out at full-back, with De Ligt and Harry Maguire as centre-backs.
“Diogo Dalot was one of Man United’s better players last season and should feature in their defence this week.
“Fulham are a good team if their players can stay fit. They keep the ball well and can cause problems – this could be a funny game.
“Man United will need to be patient to win this game. Fulham could frustrate United in their opening game, and I’m backing them to pull off a draw here.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/MLOG6ki