FA Cup Preview: Manchester United vs. Fulham – March 2, 2025

FA Cup Preview: Manchester United vs. Fulham – March 2, 2025



The FA Cup returns with a highly anticipated matchup between Manchester United and Fulham on Sunday, March 2, 2025. This fixture promises to be an exciting battle as both teams aim to secure a place in the next round of England’s prestigious cup competition. With Manchester United considered one of the favorites to win the tournament and Fulham looking to pull off an upset, fans can expect a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford.

 

Event Details

  • Fixture: Manchester United vs. Fulham
  • Date: Sunday, March 2, 2025
  • Kick-Off Time: 17:30 GMT / 12:30 ET / 18:30 CET
  • Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
  • Broadcast & Live Stream:
    • UK: BBC Sport, ITV Sport
    • US: ESPN+, Paramount+
    • Worldwide: Available via regional broadcasters and live-streaming platforms

 

Team News

Manchester United

Manchester United, managed by Erik ten Hag, continue their quest for silverware this season. They will look to use their depth and attacking quality to overcome a resilient Fulham side.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Luke Shaw: Sidelined with a muscular injury.
    • Lisandro Martรญnez: Ruled out due to a knee issue.
    • Antony: Doubtful but could feature in the squad.
  • Key Players:
    • Bruno Fernandes: The creative force in midfield.
    • Marcus Rashford: United’s goal-scoring threat.
    • Rasmus Hรธjlund: Leading the line with pace and power.




Fulham

Fulham, led by Marco Silva, have shown impressive form in the competition and will hope to continue their strong cup run against one of the country’s biggest clubs.

  • Injuries/Suspensions:
    • Joรฃo Palhinha: Suspended after accumulating yellow cards.
    • Kenny Tete: Doubtful with a minor knock.
    • Tim Ream: Expected to be fit for selection.
  • Key Players:
    • Andreas Pereira: A former United player, looking to make an impact.
    • Aleksandar Mitroviฤ‡: The focal point of Fulham’s attack.
    • Bernd Leno: A reliable shot-stopper who could prove crucial.

 

Possible Lineups

Manchester United (4-2-3-1):

  • Goalkeeper: Andrรฉ Onana
  • Defenders: Diogo Dalot, Raphaรซl Varane, Victor Lindelรถf, Tyrell Malacia
  • Midfielders: Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes
  • Attacking Midfielders: Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen, Marcus Rashford
  • Forward: Rasmus Hรธjlund

Fulham (4-3-3):

  • Goalkeeper: Bernd Leno
  • Defenders: Kenny Tete, Issa Diop, Tim Ream, Antonee Robinson
  • Midfielders: Harrison Reed, Tom Cairney, Andreas Pereira
  • Forwards: Bobby Decordova-Reid, Aleksandar Mitroviฤ‡, Willian

 

Playing Ground: Old Trafford

Old Trafford, home of Manchester United, is one of the most iconic stadiums in world football. With a seating capacity of approximately 74,000, it provides an intimidating atmosphere for visiting teams, making it a challenging venue for Fulham.

 

Head-to-Head Record

  • Total Matches: 88
  • Manchester United Wins: 55
  • Fulham Wins: 14
  • Draws: 19

Manchester United has historically dominated this fixture, but Fulham have proven to be a tough opponent in recent years.

 

Match Preview

Manchester United’s Tactical Approach

United will aim to control possession and utilize their attacking talent to break down Fulham’s defense. Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen’s creativity will be crucial in opening up spaces, while Marcus Rashford’s pace could cause problems for the Fulham backline.

Fulham’s Strategy

Fulham will likely adopt a disciplined defensive shape, looking to frustrate United and hit them on the counterattack. Andreas Pereira and Mitroviฤ‡ will be key in launching quick transitions, and set-pieces could be an avenue for the visitors to exploit.

 

Key Battles

  1. Bruno Fernandes vs. Harrison Reed: A midfield battle that could determine the game’s tempo.
  2. Marcus Rashford vs. Kenny Tete: Rashford’s speed against Fulham’s defensive resilience.
  3. Aleksandar Mitroviฤ‡ vs. Raphaรซl Varane: A physical duel between Fulham’s main striker and United’s experienced center-back.

 

Betting Odds & Predictions

  • Manchester United Win: 4/7
  • Fulham Win: 9/2
  • Draw: 3/1

Manchester United enters the match as favorites, but Fulham’s counterattacking threat means they shouldn’t be underestimated. A 2-0 victory for Manchester United seems a likely outcome.

 

How to Watch

United Kingdom:

  • BBC Sport
  • ITV Sport

United States:

  • ESPN+
  • Paramount+

Global:

  • Check regional broadcasters for live streaming and TV options.

 

Conclusion

Manchester United vs. Fulham in the FA Cup promises to be a thrilling encounter at Old Trafford. While United are clear favorites, Fulham has the capability to cause problems if they play with discipline and execute their counterattacks effectively. A fascinating cup tie awaits on March 2, 2025!