Manchester United F.C. vs Fulham F.C. Lineups: Predicted XIs

Old Trafford has not been a happy hunting ground for Manchester United against Fulham in recent seasons. The visitors stunned the home crowd here just two years ago, and they pushed United to a penalty shootout in last season’s FA Cup. Now, with caretaker boss Michael Carrick looking to extend a rare winning run, both clubs arrive in different spirits — one chasing Champions League spots, the other fighting to stay clear of the relegation zone.

Match Date: 01.02.2026 · Venue: Old Trafford · Recent Result: Man Utd 3-2 Fulham · Competition: Premier League · Predicted Score: 2-1 Man Utd

The table below consolidates key match parameters from multiple sources to provide a quick reference for lineup planning.

Who won between Manchester United and Fulham today?

Recent match highlights

The clubs last met in what proved to be a thriller, with Manchester United edging Fulham 3-2 in a result that showcased both the attacking firepower and defensive fragility that has defined each side this season. Goals from Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo canceled out Fulham’s resistance in a match that had everything — late drama, controversial calls, and enough end-to-end football to satisfy neutral supporters.

That result continued a trend of close encounters between these two clubs. Across 66 Premier League meetings, United have won 43 times compared to Fulham’s nine victories, according to Sporting News. However, Old Trafford has not been the fortress it once was — Fulham won there in February 2024 and again in the FA Cup fifth round via penalty shootout.

The implication: Fulham travel to Manchester with genuine belief rather than mere hope, based on their recent Old Trafford results.

Key performers

Bruno Fernandes has been United’s creative heartbeat, leading all Premier League players by creating 21 more chances than any other player through the first 23 gameweeks, according to Sports Illustrated. Meanwhile, Bryan Mbeumo tops United’s goalscoring charts this season, giving the home side a reliable focal point in attack.

What are Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC lineups today?

Manchester United starting XI

With Patrick Dorgu ruled out through injury, Sporting News reports that Matheus Cunha is expected to slot into the left-sided attacking role. Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back issue, per Sports Mole.

The predicted Manchester United lineup (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martínez, Shaw; Casemiro, Mainoo; Amad, Fernandes, Cunha; Mbeumo. However, sources vary slightly — Sports Illustrated lists an alternative with Diallo rather than Amad on the right wing. Senne Lammens, described as a summer recruit with strong command of his area, is the preferred option in goal, though final confirmation remains pending.

Amad Diallo is expected to start on the right flank, bringing direct running and dribbling that could trouble Fulham’s left-back position, according to Sports Illustrated. Casemiro and Mainoo anchor the midfield pivot, providing the blend of destructive work and progressive passing that Carrick has demanded since taking temporary charge.

Fulham starting XI

Fulham boss Marco Silva must navigate his own injury list. Kenny Tete is listed as doubtful, while Muniz and Lukic are confirmed absences, per Sporting News. The Cottagers’ predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Iwobi, Berge; Wilson, Smith Rowe, Chukwueze; Jiménez.

Silva could implement a double change on the left side of his attacking unit, per Sports Mole. Harry Wilson, who has been directly involved in 10 goals across his last 11 Premier League appearances, will be key to any Fulham ambitions of taking something from this fixture.

What this means: Both managers face selection dilemmas that could determine whether this match follows the high-scoring pattern of recent encounters or becomes a tighter tactical affair.

What are Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC lineups stats?

Player ratings

Recent form suggests both teams enter this match in reasonable shape. United’s victories over Arsenal (3-2) and Manchester City (2-0) demonstrated they can compete at the highest level on their day, per Sporting News. Fulham, meanwhile, beat Brighton 2-1 with goals from Samuel Chukwueze and Harry Wilson.

Across the Premier League’s 66 meetings between these clubs, the historical record heavily favors United — 43 wins against just nine for Fulham, according to Sporting News. However, Fulham’s recent Old Trafford wins illustrate that the visitors are not fazed by the occasion.

Substitutions

United’s bench could include Diallo, Dorgu (pending fitness), and Zirkzee (also listed as doubtful). For Fulham, the options include Sessegnon and Cuenca if Silva opts for the double left-sided change mentioned by Sports Mole. Neither manager appears likely to make sweeping changes given the momentum both squads carry into this fixture.

The pattern: Squad depth could prove decisive if either side gains an early advantage and needs fresh legs to protect a lead.

Who is the man of the match in Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC lineups?

Top performers

Based on current form and statistical output, Bruno Fernandes remains the most likely candidate to influence proceedings. The Portuguese midfielder leads the Premier League in chance creation through 23 gameweeks, giving United a consistent edge in attacking transitions. His ability to find pockets of space between Fulham’s defensive lines will be crucial.

For Fulham, Harry Wilson’s purple patch makes him the visitors’ primary threat. His 10 goal involvements across 11 games represents remarkable consistency for a winger operating in a side still fighting to secure Premier League survival.

Key contributions

Amad Diallo’s directness could prove decisive if Fulham’s full-backs push too high. The Ivorian’s ability to beat players one-on-one and cut inside onto his stronger foot creates scoring opportunities for himself and teammates drifting into central positions.

The implication: Whoever wins the individual battle between Fernandes and Wilson may well determine which team takes all three points.

What are Manchester United FC vs Fulham FC highlights?

Goal summaries

The most recent meeting delivered a 3-2 thriller that went United’s way. Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring before Fulham fought back twice through efforts that forced the game into a tense final quarter. United’s winner came late, compounding the visitors’ disappointment and maintaining the home side’s faint hopes of a top-four finish.

Historically, Old Trafford encounters have been goal-heavy. Of the 43 United wins recorded in this fixture, many have featured multiple goals — suggesting that while both clubs prioritize defensive organization, they lack the ruthlessness to keep clean sheets against committed opponents.

Timeline

24 August 2025 marked Fulham’s most recent home meeting with United, a fixture that ended in the visitors’ favor. The return at Old Trafford on 1 February 2026 completes the season’s double-header between these clubs, with both harboring motivations for a positive result.

Three Premier League victories on the bounce once seemed unthinkable for Manchester United.

— Sports Illustrated

Michael Carrick aims to sustain his remarkable beginning as Manchester United’s head coach.

— Sporting News

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Our predicted XIs align closely with tactics explored in the Man United vs Fulham preview, emphasizing key players like Fernandes and Mbeumo.

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