It’s all eyes on Old Trafford on Friday night as Manchester United and Fulham get the 2024/25 Premier League season underway. Manchester United have kept the faith in Erik ten Hag for the upcoming season, despite rumours of the owners looking elsewhere. Instead, they have offered him a new contract and have pumped in some sizeable investment in the transfer market.
United have been busy. They have made some shrewd signings to add to their already talented squad. Ten Hag has added Dutch pair, Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined £87 million as well as Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraoui. They have also added 18-year=old centre back Leny Yoro to their ranks for £62 million – however an injury sustained in pre-season puts him out for 3 months.
As for Fulham, there is reason to be optimistic this season. They broke their record transfer fee on Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe – who I think will be a fantastic signing for Marco Silva. They also bought Jorge Cuenca, a solid centre-back from Villarreal. Fulham have looked good in pre-season, beating Benfica and Hoffenheim to nil.
There is no doubt at all, that there is goals in this Fulham team. The recent addition of Smith-Rowe will only add to that, with goals and assists almost guaranteed.
Especially now, occupying the role behind Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz – who had an good first season in the Premier League.
There will be a buzz around Old Trafford on Friday night, and a lot like last season – I am expecting goals here. In their 19 home league games last season, Man United saw over 2.5 land in 13. They scored in 16/19 and conceded in 15/19.
Despite strengthening their defence in the summer, there is no doubt it will take some time to gel. Fulham scored in seven of their last eight Premier League away games and I think they will cause some issues for United here.
