Forces of the two teams
Joshua Zirkzee has returned to training this week, preparing for the match between Man United and Fulham. The Dutch international has not yet played under Michael Carrick, after missing victories against Man City and Arsenal due to injury.
However, this striker has been able to train with the whole team at Carrington, which brings encouragement to Michael Carrick and Man United.
Yes, Zirkzee has returned to training this week, which is good news. He has been out for a short time, but this is the first time he has trained with us since we came here, so it's great that he has returned.
Zirkzee is just trying to practice and train physically with the whole team. I really want to work with him and don't need to say anything more," Carrick said.
However, Patrick Dorgu - a player who is in very high form when scoring 2 goals in victories against Arsenal and Man City will be absent due to a hamstring injury. Matthijs de Ligt is also not ready to return to full training due to a back injury.
On Fulham's side, Sasa Lukic and Rodrigo Muniz will be absent for various reasons, but Kenny Tete is trying to return after four absences due to hamstring injuries. Fulham has also completed the deal to recruit winger Oscar Bobb from Man City and this player can completely play.
Notable statistics
Man United have only lost one of their last 20 Premier League matches against Fulham, although the team from West London eliminated Man United from the FA Cup earlier, in a penalty shootout at Old Trafford.
Fulham also won at Old Trafford in February 2024, despite Harry Maguire's goal for Man United.
In the last 6 matches against Fulham, Man United have scored 1 goal/match and captain Bruno Fernandes has scored five goals against them.
In the first leg, also Man United's first away match of the season, the final score was that the two teams drew 1-1. Muniz's own goal helped Man United take the lead, but then Emile Smith Rowe scored the equalizer. Also in this match, Bruno missed a penalty.
Michael Carrick is aiming to become the fifth unbeaten Man United coach in his first five matches in the Premier League. If he gets points against Fulham, Carrick will be on par with Man United strategists such as Herbert Bartlett, Sir Matt Busby, Frank O'Farrell and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Man United vs Fulham match will take place at 9:00 PM on February 1st.
