Maguire To Start? | Predicted 3-4-2-1 Manchester United Lineup To Face Fulham | OneFootball

Despite a last-gasp home win against Rangers in the Europa League, Manchester United are going through a dreadful run of results with four defeats in their last five Premier League encounters at Old Trafford. They have performed relatively better on the road under Ruben Amorim, however, the former Sporting CP boss must demand more from his men as they set to lock horns with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday evening.

The Cottagers have made significant strides under Marco Silva who also had a brief yet eventful managerial stint at Sporting. United edged past Fulham in the opening gameweek, thanks to a late winner from Joshua Zirkzee at the Theatre of Dreams. But the Londoners’ impressive record against ‘Big Six’ could result in another setback for the Red Devils.

Predicted 3-4-2-1 Manchester United Lineup To Face Fulham

Defence

Andre Onana received backlash from the fans following a disastrous performance against Brighton & Hove Albion. Amorim opted for Altay Bayindir on Thursday night and the Turkish custodian should get a run of games now, particularly after his FA Cup heroics against Arsenal.

While the players are still adapting to a ‘back three’, injuries to Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans decimate them in the defensive third. Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro were taken off against the Gers after picking up knocks, and the gaffer might have to rely on Lindelof straightaway who rejoined the group at Carrington this week having been on the sidelines since Christmas. Harry Maguire could operate from the middle thus allowing Lisandro Martinez to feature from his preferred left centre-back role.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – JANUARY 23: Amad Diallo of Manchester United looks on during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD7 match between Manchester United and Rangers FC at Old Trafford on January 23, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Midfield

Young academy prospect Toby Collyer and veteran Christian Eriksen paired against Rangers in the middle of the park. But the Portuguese chief should restore Kobbie Mainoo and Manuel Ugarte over the others. Mainoo has yet to match his last season’s standards, but the improvement depicted by Ugarte has earned him the nod over Casemiro as the deep-lying destructor.

Luke Shaw is still ruled out with a calf strain, also, a minor injury forced Noussair Mazraoui to pull out of their clash against the Glasgow giants. Diogo Dalot could switch to the right to slot in as a wing-back, meanwhile, fit-again Tyrell Malacia might grab a start down the left-hand side.

Mason Mount’s injury absence, and the uncertainty over Alejandro Garnacho and Antony’s future, have reduced United’s options in and around the attacking third. Skipper Bruno Fernandes and in-form Amad Diallo should be deployed as the midfield attackers.

Neither Zirkzee nor Rasmus Hojlund has impressed while spearheading the attack. Having appeared as a late substitute in the back-to-back fixtures, Hojlund might be reintegrated into the starting XI to feature as a ‘targetman’.