Manchester United will be hosting Fulham at the Theatre Of Dreams and will be aiming to keep their winning streak going as the make their attempt to make it to top four and securing their Champions League spot.
Red Devils’ current streak is standing at four games and with the next game coming away against Nottingham Forest in FA Cup, they’ll look to extend it to six before their test away against their Noisy neighbors.
But first thoughts should be on the upcoming game against Fulham as they poses a unique threat because of their multi-dimensional attack and transition.
The three battles that might decide the fate of the game:
Joao Palhinha vs Bruno Fernandes
This is the clash of the Portuguese at Old Trafford.
Joao has moved on from his failed move this summer to german giants Bayern Munich and has returned to his best this season. He portrays as wall standing in front of his defence, tackles hard, also becomes pain for the opposition players by closing down space between lines.
This might frustrate United captain Bruno Fernandes, which would cause him to play in a rush and give up possession.
To curb the end-to-end nature of their games, United must plan their game effectively and their main man should be their captain Bruno Fernandes. His ability to get past defensive midfielders and create space can help increase the speed of the game which can improve Red Devils’ overall performance.
Omari Forson vs Fulham’s left wing
Based on recent reports, Omari the United youngster could be set to get his first Premier League start due to Hojlund’s absence because of injury.
Forson has been in line for a long time to make his first team start and this might be his chance to show the world what he’s got in absence of the talisman Rasmus Hojlund. Pressure will be on him as soon as the whistle goes off because if he does everything right, he will be going up against one of the best.
Antonee Robinson and the veteran Willian will try and test him repeatedly by pushing forward and look at his commitment defensively. Forson will be helped by Diogo Dalot as he is in the form of his life.
To balance his duties defensively and also contributing while attacking will be a huge task for the youngster.
Andreas Pereira vs Casemiro
Casemiro had a difficult time against Luton Town as the young attackers and midfielders with pace were bypassing him repeatedly. He looked drained by half time of the game and it the first scenario where his legs looked slower than the game.
Against Fulham, the attackers won’t posses a big threat with pace, but he will need to look at closing down the former Red Devil Andreas Pereira. He can cause a lot of trouble on the pitch for United.
After leaving Manchester United, the Brazilian has developed into the creative hub of Fulham, one of the areas that he has mastered is set pieces. United have struggled to defend this season against set pieces.
