The Premier League’s 2024/25 season began with an exciting clash between Manchester United Fulham at Old Trafford on August 16, 2024. As two teams with contrasting ambitions—United aiming for the title and Fulham seeking a strong mid-table finish—this matchup promised high-intensity action.
In this article, we delve into the starting lineups, tactical approaches, key player performances, and the overall analysis of this thrilling encounter.
Manchester United F.C. Starting Lineup
Manager: Erik ten Hag
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: André Onana
- Defenders: Diogo Dalot (RB), Harry Maguire (CB), Lisandro Martínez (CB), Noussair Mazraoui (LB)
- Midfielders: Casemiro (DM), Kobbie Mainoo (DM); Mason Mount (AM)
- Forwards: Amad Diallo (RW), Bruno Fernandes (CAM, Captain), Marcus Rashford (LW)
- Striker: Anthony Martial
Notable Absences
New summer signing Matthijs de Ligt was rested, starting from the bench. Jadon Sancho and Christian Eriksen were unavailable due to minor injuries, paving the way for Amad Diallo and Kobbie Mainoo to start.
Key Focus:
- Casemiro’s role as a midfield anchor.
- Bruno Fernandes’ freedom in an advanced position to orchestrate attacks.
- Marcus Rashford’s pace and creativity on the left flank.
Fulham F.C. Starting Lineup
Manager: Marco Silva
Formation: 4-3-3
Starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno (Captain)
- Defenders: Kenny Tete (RB), Issa Diop (CB), Calvin Bassey (CB), Antonee Robinson (LB)
- Midfielders: Sasa Lukic, Andreas Pereira, Emile Smith Rowe
- Forwards: Adama Traoré (RW), Rodrigo Muniz (CF), Alex Iwobi (LW)
New Faces
- Emile Smith Rowe, recently signed from Arsenal, started as Fulham’s creative force in midfield.
- Calvin Bassey and Adama Traoré added defensive stability and attacking pace, respectively.
Key Focus:
- Pereira’s role in linking midfield with the attack.
- Traoré’s ability to stretch United’s defense with his speed.
- Bassey’s composure in handling United’s forwards.
First Half: Tactical Battle and Midfield Dominance
The first half was a cagey affair, with both teams focusing on controlling the midfield. Manchester United looked more comfortable on the ball, utilizing quick passing and overlapping runs from Dalot and Mazraoui to create width.
Manchester United’s Approach
- Casemiro and Mainoo’s Partnership: The duo provided defensive stability while allowing Mount and Fernandes to push forward.
- Bruno Fernandes’ Vision: The United captain created several chances, including a precise through-ball to Rashford in the 28th minute, which narrowly missed the target.
- Amad Diallo’s Energy: Diallo’s runs down the right wing kept Fulham’s defense on high alert.
Fulham’s Resilience
- Defensive Shape: Fulham maintained a compact 4-3-3 structure, limiting United’s chances in the box.
- Andreas Pereira’s Influence: The former Manchester United player dictated Fulham’s tempo, delivering key passes to Traoré and Iwobi.
- Adama Traoré’s Threat: Traoré’s speed troubled Dalot, though he lacked precision in the final third.
Second Half: United Takes Control
The second half saw Manchester United increase their tempo, dominating possession and pushing Fulham onto the back foot.
Tactical Adjustments
- Ten Hag’s Substitutions: Bringing on Joshua Zirkzee and Alejandro Garnacho in the 65th minute added fresh energy to United’s attack.
- Fulham’s Counterattacking Attempts: Marco Silva introduced Tom Cairney to strengthen midfield control, but Fulham struggled to create clear chances.
Decisive Moment
In the 87th minute, substitute Joshua Zirkzee made an instant impact, scoring the game-winning goal. Receiving a perfectly weighted pass from Rashford, Zirkzee calmly slotted the ball past Leno, securing a 1-0 victory for United.
Key Player Performances
Manchester United
- Marcus Rashford: Rashford’s pace and dribbling were instrumental in creating chances, including the assist for Zirkzee’s goal.
- André Onana: Onana’s commanding presence in goal ensured a clean sheet, with a crucial save in the 72nd minute.
- Joshua Zirkzee: The young forward’s composure under pressure highlighted his potential as a game-changer.
Fulham
- Bernd Leno: The Fulham captain made several crucial saves, keeping his side in the game until the final minutes.
- Calvin Bassey: Bassey showcased defensive solidity, making key interceptions to thwart United’s attacks.
- Adama Traoré: Although inconsistent in his delivery, Traoré’s pace remained a constant threat.
Tactical Insights
Manchester United’s Success Factors
- Midfield Dominance: Casemiro and Mainoo ensured United controlled possession and tempo.
- Effective Substitutions: Ten Hag’s decision to bring on Zirkzee and Garnacho provided the spark needed to break Fulham’s defense.
- Wide Play: Dalot and Mazraoui’s overlapping runs added width, stretching Fulham’s compact formation.
Fulham’s Missed Opportunities
- Lack of Cutting Edge: Despite solid buildup play, Fulham failed to capitalize on counterattacking chances.
- Limited Support for Muniz: Fulham’s center forward often found himself isolated against United’s defense.
Post-Match Reactions
Erik ten Hag (Manchester United Manager)
“Today’s win was a testament to our squad depth and tactical discipline. Zirkzee’s impact shows the quality we have on the bench.”
Marco Silva (Fulham Manager)
“We defended well but lacked the clinical edge in the final third. We’ll work on converting our chances in the next matches.”
FAQs About Manchester United vs. Fulham
1. Who scored the winning goal?
Joshua Zirkzee scored the decisive goal in the 87th minute for Manchester United.
2. What formation did Manchester United use?
United deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation.
3. How did Fulham perform defensively?
Fulham maintained a compact defensive structure, with Bernd Leno and Calvin Bassey standing out.
4. Was there a standout player for Manchester United?
Marcus Rashford’s creativity and Joshua Zirkzee’s game-winning goal were standout contributions.
5. What’s next for both teams?
Manchester United will face Tottenham in their next fixture, while Fulham will host Brighton.
Conclusion
The clash between Manchester United and Fulham highlighted the tactical nuances and competitive spirit of the Premier League. While United’s depth and adaptability secured the victory, Fulham showed resilience and potential.
