The 2024/2024 Premier League season gets underway this weekend with the curtain-raiser being a Friday night clash between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford.
By Matt Smith
Erik ten Hag’s new-look side take on Marco Silva’s João Palhinha-less XI in what is undoubtedly a highly anticipated match-up.
United endured a difficult 2023/2024 campaign, particularly in the Premier League, suffering their worst-ever finish since the competition began. Plenty of speculation surrounded manager Ten Hag, but the Dutchman kept his job after sealing the FA Cup trophy.
After announcing Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt earlier this week and Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee earlier in the window, United’s starting XI might look slightly different this weekend, with the Red Devils strengthening heavily in multiple areas and young stars coming through the ranks.
This season could see the emergence of Amad Diallo. The young winger was given minimal opportunities to impress in the senior squad last campaign, but with Antony failing to stamp his authority, we could see Diallo grab his chance with both hands if he’s given a role in the starting XI on Friday.
In the corresponding fixture last term, Fulham ran out 2-1 winners at Old Trafford, so the Manchester outfit will be seeking revenge in front of their home crowd.
Fulham are preparing for the new campaign without two of their key stars last season, Tosin Adarabioyo and João Palhinha, who left Craven Cottage to join Chelsea and Bayern Munich respectively. Jorge Cuenca has come in from Villarreal to replace Tosin, while Emile Smith Rowe has arrived from Arsenal as an option in midfield.
Ten Hag will be worried about the threat of Rodrigo Muniz in attack for Fulham, especially if he can continue his goalscoring exploits that he produced towards the end of the 2023/2024 season. The Brazilian ended the campaign with nine goals from 18 Premier League starts, showing what he’s capable of when given the opportunity.
It will be interesting to see how Silva’s side deal without the duel-winning monster Palhinha in the middle of the park. Although Smith Rowe has come in as another body in midfield, he’s a different profile to Palhinha, with the former Arsenal man being more of an attacking threat while his successor often sits and protects the back four.
We’re set for an intriguing encounter as United’s new signings bed in and Fulham continue to build under Silva in the Premier League.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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