Manchester United will be looking to halt a worrying run of results when they travel to Craven Cottage to face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, September 20, 2026.
The Red Devils head into the fifth league fixture of the campaign after suffering consecutive defeats in all competitions. Their latest setback came in dramatic fashion, with Brighton & Hove Albion recovering from two goals down to claim a 3-2 victory in the EFL Cup.
Fulham, meanwhile, arrive in better spirits after securing a 3-2 win over West Ham United in the same competition.
Manchester United’s struggles
United’s defeat to Brighton was particularly damaging because they had appeared to be in complete control after establishing a two-goal advantage. Instead, they allowed the visitors to stage a comeback and leave Old Trafford with a place in the next round.
The result followed another difficult period for Michael Carrick’s side, who have won only one of their opening four Premier League matches this season.
Their defensive record is another concern. United have kept only one clean sheet in six competitive matches this term, with that shutout coming in their 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah. They have conceded at least twice in four of their other five matches.
Their away record has also provided little encouragement. United have collected just one point from trips to Hull City and Everton, losing 2-0 to the former before drawing 2-2 with the latter.
A failure to win at Craven Cottage would mean United have gone without victory in their opening three away league matches for a second successive season.
Fulham have also endured a difficult start under Alvaro Arbeloa. The Cottagers have managed only one point from their first four league matches, although that came from a goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
The defensive performance against Liverpool offered some encouragement after Fulham conceded seven goals across their opening three league games. Jeremy Jacquet also produced an important clearance off the line to deny Gonzalo Garcia.
Fulham followed that performance by beating West Ham 3-2 in the EFL Cup. Oscar Bobb decided the contest with a late 78th-minute goal, sending his side into the fourth round.
United nevertheless have a strong recent record at Craven Cottage. They have avoided defeat in their last 10 visits to Fulham since suffering a 3-0 loss there in December 2009.
Fulham claimed only one point from the two league meetings with United last season.
Manchester United, Fulham team news
United will be without Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo, with the quartet not expected back until after the international break.
Luke Shaw remains a doubt, while Carlos Baleba has a chance of returning after missing the defeats against Manchester City and Brighton with a minor thigh issue.
Several players rested during the midweek cup fixture are expected to return to the starting XI. Senne Lammens, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are among those expected to come back into the side.
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, who both scored against Brighton, could consequently drop to the bench.
Fulham have their own injury concerns. Kenny Tete will miss the match after entering concussion protocol following an incident during the Liverpool game.
Tom Cairney is also unavailable because of a knee problem, while Ryan Sessegnon remains a doubt as he works his way back from a groin injury.
Despite scoring and assisting against West Ham, Cesar Palacios could be one of the players left out as Arbeloa restores the team that performed strongly against Liverpool.
Predicted lineups
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Garcia.
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
United’s recent performances have raised questions, particularly after surrendering a two-goal lead against Brighton. However, they still possess enough attacking quality to cause problems for a Fulham defence that has conceded heavily this season.
Fulham’s victory over West Ham should provide confidence, but United’s long unbeaten run at Craven Cottage and their greater attacking options could prove decisive.
