Premier League preview: Fulham v Manchester United
In recent seasons, Craven Cottage has proved a particularly tricky away ground for Sir Alex Ferguson and his Manchester United players to navigate.
In fact, Fulham have beaten the Red Devils convincingly in their last two meetings in west London, including a 3-0 hammering last December.
However, much has changed since last season’s fixture at the Cottage. No longer are Fulham able to rely on the tactical prowess of manager Roy Hodgson. He, of course, joined United’s fierce rivals Liverpool in pre-season.
Now they are led by a man who knows all about Manchester United – former player Mark Hughes -and how the Welshman would enjoy a victory over his old employers on his first home match with his new club. Fiercely competitive as a player and now a manager, Hughes was appointed on the basis that he could maintain the superb progress Fulham achieved under Hodgson.
A victory over Ferguson’s side on Sunday afternoon would certainly convince the Fulham faithful that he possesses the necessary credentials to take the club to the next level.
But if Hughes has a reputation for his competitive nature, then it still pales in comparison to his Manchester United counterpart. He may be 68 years old, but Ferguson is still as hungry and determined as ever to lead the club he’s become synonymous with to even more silverware.
As experienced as they come, the Scot knows just how imperative a good start to the campaign is. At this stage last season, the 18-time English champions were beaten by newly-promoted Burnley at Turf Moor - a result which would eventually have a crucial bearing on the destination of the Premier League trophy.
Avoiding a similar slip-up will be top of the United manager’s agenda this weekend. And following the team’s impressive 3-1 victory over Chelsea in the FA Community Shield and their subsequent 3-0 win against Newcastle United last Monday, the Red Devils are in good form and will be full of confidence on their annual league trip to the Cottage.
Ferguson’s only cause for concern is the form of striker Wayne Rooney, who hasn’t scored for club or country since March, and looked short of form against the Magpies last Monday. It’s expected that the United boss will keep faith with his star player, despite competition from Javier Hernandez and Michael Owen. Dimitar Berbatov, on the other hand, has begun the season with a real glint in his eye and looks on course for his most prolific season since arriving from Tottenham in 2008.
Meanwhile, Hughes is currently sweating on the fitness of goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer, who is still suffering from a back injury. The 37-year-old’s future has been the subject of much speculation in recent weeks, and it’s believed that the unsettled keeper could still force a move to Arsenal before the transfer window closes.
The Cottagers recorded a credible 0-0 draw away at Bolton in last weekend’s opening match without their reliable goalkeeper, and may have to plan for life without him if Arsène Wenger gets his way.
David Stockdale, who kept a clean sheet against Owen Coyle’s side last weekend, could once again deputise in Schwarzer’s absence. And new signing, Moussa Dembele, is in line to make his debut after the striker signed from AZ Alkmaar.
Hughes will also be looking to end his dismal recent record as a manager against Manchester United. In charge of Manchester City for three matches against the Red Devils, the former Wales international lost all three games, and will be hoping for better luck in his spell with the Cottagers.
United, as they so often do, will come into this match as favourites despite losing their last two matches at Craven Cottage. But for this very reason, the Fulham squad won’t be threatened by the prospect of Rooney, Scholes, Giggs and co. all arriving for this second league match of the season.
With both managers desperate to win for very different reasons, this clash has the potential to be the standout fixture of the weekend.
But it’s the old, wily master who will be confident of outwitting the pretender on Sunday.
Prediction: Fulham 1 Manchester United 2
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