Fulham vs Manchester United: Match preview, team news and predicted lineups
By Joel Masibo, September 20, 2026Manchester United head to Craven Cottage on Sunday, September 20, 2026, looking to halt a worrying run of results when they face Fulham in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick’s side have suffered consecutive defeats and will be desperate to avoid another setback after throwing away a two-goal advantage in their 3-2 EFL Cup defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at Old Trafford.
Match preview
Fulham will enter the contest with greater confidence after securing their first win of the campaign, beating West Ham United 3-2 to progress to the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
United’s latest loss has increased the pressure surrounding Carrick after they surrendered a 2-0 lead at Old Trafford. The defeat was particularly damaging given that it came against Brighton, with United unable to protect their advantage before conceding three times.
The result also extended a difficult beginning to the 2026-27 campaign. United have collected only one victory from their opening four Premier League fixtures, while they have managed just one clean sheet in six matches across all competitions.
Their defensive problems have been especially evident away from home. United conceded twice against Hull City in a 2-0 defeat before drawing 2-2 with Everton, leaving them without a league victory from either of their first two away assignments.
Another failure to win on Sunday would mean United have started two successive Premier League seasons without victory in their opening three away matches.
Fulham, meanwhile, have endured their own difficult start under Alvaro Arbeloa. The Cottagers have taken just one point from their first four league games, although that result came against Liverpool in a goalless draw at Anfield.
The clean sheet represented a significant defensive improvement after Fulham conceded seven goals across their opening three league matches.
They followed that performance by producing another high-scoring encounter against West Ham in the EFL Cup. Oscar Bobb’s 78th-minute strike completed a 3-2 comeback victory and secured Fulham’s place in the next round.
Fulham will also be looking to improve their recent record against United after collecting only one point from their two league meetings last season.
History at Craven Cottage, however, has largely favoured the visitors. United have avoided defeat in their last 10 visits to Fulham, with their most recent loss there coming in December 2009.
Team news
United are expected to remain without Manuel Ugarte, Tom Heaton, Matthijs de Ligt and Amad Diallo, with all four players unavailable until after the international break.
Luke Shaw and Carlos Baleba remain doubts, although Baleba has a chance of returning after missing the recent defeats against Manchester City and Brighton with a minor thigh issue.
Carrick is expected to restore several senior players to the starting XI after rotating his squad in midweek. Senne Lammens, Harry Maguire, Kobbie Mainoo and Bruno Fernandes could all return from the bench.
Shea Lacey and Mason Mount, despite scoring against Brighton, could therefore make way.
Fulham also have concerns at the back. Kenny Tete will miss the game while following concussion protocols after being struck in the face during the draw against Liverpool.
Tom Cairney remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Ryan Sessegnon could return after recovering from a groin problem. He is expected to undergo a late fitness assessment before the match.
Arbeloa is also likely to make changes following the midweek cup victory, with several players who started against West Ham potentially dropping out as he restores the team that performed strongly against Liverpool.
Predicted lineups
Fulham: Leno; Castagne, Affengruber, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Charles; Bobb, King, Iwobi; Garcia.
Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot, Maguire, Martinez, Shaw; Mainoo, Tielemans; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko.
United’s recent results have raised questions about their consistency, particularly after surrendering a two-goal lead against Brighton.
Fulham, meanwhile, will be encouraged by their improved defensive showing against Liverpool and their cup victory over West Ham.
However, United still possess considerable attacking quality and will be determined to respond quickly to their recent setbacks. The visitors are expected to have enough in attack to edge a closely contested encounter at Craven Cottage.
Predicted result
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United.