| Man City vs Fulham | |
| MATCH | Premier League |
| DATE | 20 - 09 - 2026 |
| TIME | 09.00 PM IST |
| STADIUM | Craven Cottage |
Fulham vs Manchester United: Match Preview
Manchester United will travel to Craven Cottage looking to respond after a difficult midweek defeat, while Fulham will be hoping to build on their encouraging defensive display against Liverpool.
United suffered another frustrating result on Wednesday, surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford. The defeat added to the pressure surrounding manager Michael Carrick after a difficult opening to the 2026-27 campaign.
The Red Devils have won just one of their opening four Premier League matches, while their defensive record remains a concern. United have kept only one clean sheet across six matches in all competitions this season, with at least two goals conceded in four of their other five fixtures.
Their away form has also been inconsistent. United have already suffered a 2-0 defeat at Hull City and drawn 2-2 with Everton, leaving them searching for their first away league victory of the campaign.
They could therefore fail to win their opening three Premier League away matches for the second consecutive season.
Fulham, meanwhile, have also endured a difficult start under new head coach Alvaro Arbeloa. The Cottagers have collected just one point from their opening four league matches, although that point came in an impressive goalless draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
After conceding seven goals across their first three Premier League fixtures, Fulham's clean sheet against Liverpool represented a significant improvement defensively. They then followed that performance with a dramatic 3-2 victory over West Ham United in the EFL Cup, with Oscar Bobb scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
Despite their recent struggles in the league, Fulham have a strong historical record against Manchester United at Craven Cottage. The Red Devils are unbeaten in their last 10 visits to Fulham in all competitions, with their previous defeat at the venue coming in December 2009.
Fulham also took just one point from their two league meetings with United during the 2025-26 campaign, meaning both sides will be looking for an important result when they meet again.
Recent Form
Fulham – Premier League:
L, L, L, D
Fulham – All Competitions:
L, W, L, L, D, W
Manchester United – Premier League:
L, W, D, L
Manchester United – All Competitions:
L, W, D, W, L, L
Team News
Manchester United remain without several players heading into the fixture. Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo are all expected to remain unavailable until after the international break.
Luke Shaw remains a doubt, while Carlos Baleba could have a chance of returning after missing the defeats against Manchester City and Brighton with a minor thigh issue.
Senne Lammens, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes are expected to return to the starting lineup after being rested against Brighton. Shea Lacey and Mason Mount could make way despite both finding the net during the midweek defeat.
Fulham also have concerns at full-back. Kenny Tete is unavailable after entering concussion protocol following an incident during the draw with Liverpool.
Tom Cairney remains sidelined with a knee problem, while Ryan Sessegnon is nearing a return from a groin injury and will face a late fitness assessment.
Cesar Palacios, despite scoring and assisting in the EFL Cup victory over West Ham, could be one of the players to drop out of the starting XI as Arbeloa restores several of the players who impressed against Liverpool.
With both teams searching for greater consistency in the Premier League, this encounter presents an important opportunity to improve their respective league campaigns. Fulham will look to use their home advantage and improved defensive organisation, while Manchester United will be aiming to turn their attacking opportunities into a much-needed league victory.