Manchester United v Fulham Betting Tips: Cottagers off to Theatre of Dreams in PL opener!

United host Fulham in Friday night’s clash at Old Trafford to kick off the new 24/25 Premier League season. This will be United’s 8th season in a row where they have started the campaign with a match at Old Trafford.

They have lost 2 out of the last 4 opening-day fixtures. Meanwhile, Fulham find themselves on the road for the second consecutive season, after beginning last campaign with a 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

Theatre of Nightmares

Quite shockingly, Erik ten Hag’s side lost 14 times in the Premier League during the last campaign. A record number of defeats for The Red Devils in the Premier League era and the highest number since the 89/90 season. They also failed to win 9 of their 19 home games.

United will be all too aware of the inconsistencies that blighted their campaign last time out, particularly at home where they lost 6 times in the league in front of their own fans and will know their form at Old Trafford must improve this time round.

The Red Devils kept just 4 clean sheets from their 19 PL home fixtures (21%) and only 1 in their last 7 matches at Old Trafford to end the 23/24 season, so Silva will know there will be opportunities for his team to pounce on United as they could grow increasingly frustrated the longer the game goes on.

System suggests struggles for Red Devils

The Cottagers will look to add pressure onto The Red Devils from the first whistle and know they have every chance of getting a result here following last season’s 2-1 win in United’s backyard. I do expect United to dominate possession, but just how significant that is in terms of forward positions I’m skeptical.

Expect Silva’s underdogs to be organised, disciplined, and a threat on the counterattack in this one. Losing Joao Palinha will hurt the Cottagers but they have canny player Andreas Pereira who could move back into the hole without too much inconvenience having played there before for his old club who happen to be United.

Can Fulham’s formation frustrate United?

If Silva is to go with the 4-2-3-1 formation they predominantly played with last season, then this could both frustrate United out of possession and provide real attacking promise when they have the ball.

Fulham avoided defeat in 10 of their 19 games on the road last term so I fancy them to have enough about them to pick up a result in this one. With Man United’s main goal threat from last term Rasmus Hoijland out injured, I see Ten Hag’s side struggling to replace him and his 16 goals in all competitions.

Fulham or draw 7/5 with Betfair

Fulham or Draw is 7/5 with Betfair Sportsbook on the Double Chance market and I definitely feel this has value with the away side very much capable of frustrating United, keeping a resolute shape throughout the match, and avoiding defeat in the season opener.

It’s not as simple as just taking the bare numbers with United failing to win 47% of their home games and Fulham avoiding defeat on 53% of their away days but if you did you would be suggesting this bet should be roughly Evens and we get 7/5.

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Manchester United v Fulham Best Bet

Best Bet

• Market: Double Chance
• Selection: Fulham-Draw
• Odds: 7/5
• Stake: 0.75pt
• Bookie: Betfair Sportsbook

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