Manchester United looking to build on flawless start to 2024

Manchester United play host to Fulham this weekend in the Premier League, as they look to extend their flawless run in 2024.

United have started to showcase signs of improvement in not just their results, but overall style of play in comparison to the start of the season, which could only have been described as dismal. When the sides met earlier on in the season, a late Bruno Fernandes winner saw Erik Ten Hag’s side take all three points from Craven Cottage.

During their unbeaten run, they have managed to pick up away wins at Wolves, Aston Villa and Luton Town, which are all difficult places to go this season, with all three having impressive home records.

One of the catalysts to the Red Devils success so far in 2024 has been Rasmus Hojlund’s change in fortunes following a difficult start to his Premier League career. The young Dane has scored eight goals in his last seven games for Manchester United. Not only showcasing his ability to be ruthless in front of goal, but also his ability to hold up and link play with Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford. Fulham’s defense will have to be on their toes if they want to keep him quiet this weekend.

Unfortunately for United, they look set to be without left-back Luke Shaw for three months following a repeat injury to his hamstring in the game against Luton, after the England international was forced off just before half-time. Manager, Erik Ten Hag, will be looking at filling this role with centre-back Victor Lindelof, who has looked unsure against fast-wingers in the past. Something Bruno Silva’s men may look to exploit at Old Trafford on Saturday.

However, United can’t be complacent or under any illusion that this game will mean an easy three points. Over the past year and half despite not being able to beat the home side, Fulham have pushed them all the way, with their last three league meetings all separated by one goal.

2024 has proven difficult for the visitors to get any sort of form together, with only one win since the turn of the year, in an impressive 3-1 win over Bournemouth just two weeks ago. Fulham would have been disappointed not to build on that last weekend after Ollie Watkins scored a brace for Aston Villa in a 2-1 victory over the Cottagers.

One shining light for Fulham in their past three games has been Rodrigo Muniz, the young Brazilian has scored four goals in those games for Fulham. With an injury riddled United defence, he could cause some problems at the back for the Red Devil’s with his pace and confidence in front of goal at the moment.

Despite, Ten Hag’s injury concerns, the home side have looked much better in recent weeks and should extend their unbeaten run. Fulham’s recent inconsistency may just be playing in their minds and may be their downfall at the Theatre of Dreams.