Manchester United vs Fulham: Is the FA Cup a pathway into Europe for both sides?

Manchester United state of play

Ruben Amorim continues to plug away in charge of Manchester United but the familiar inconsistencies at the club continue to rear their ugly head. 

In the past week alone, United have drawn 2-2 with Everton, after looking dead and buried at 2-0 down, before overcoming Ipswich in a five-goal thriller at Old Trafford. 

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A drab defeat at Tottenham preceded that result, with United’s lowly Premier League standing of 14th scarcely believable for a club that has overseen such investment. 

However, cup competitions have been their silver lining in recent seasons, and they will be looking for progress in the FA Cup here against Fulham. 

Fulham state of play

Marco Silva’s Fulham are sat five places and nine points above Manchester United in the Premier League table, and the Cottagers will feel as if they owe the Red Devils one here. 

Two tight 1-0 losses in the league this season to United have both been quite harsh on Fulham, and they will be desperate to land a result at the third time of asking. 

They come into this one fresh off the back of a good win at Wolves in midweek, and they see this one as a complete free hit here in Manchester. 

Key talking point: Is the tide starting to turn at Old Trafford?

Thirteen-time FA Cup winners Manchester United have enjoyed a rich and storied history in this competition, and they will be looking to retain the trophy they won in May 2024 and line their trophy cabinet once more in 2025. 

On paper, a draw at Everton and a home win over Ipswich are hardly noteworthy. But the manner in which United have dug deep to pick up both results will provide a semblance of optimism for Ruben Amorim’s men.

A result is needed on the day here, a statistic which will encourage Fulham, who have run United close twice already this season. And did manage to pick up a win at Old Trafford in the Premier League last term. 

Neither side has been able to keep clean sheets of late, with goals seemingly on the agenda here. But United have just the FA Cup and the Europa League to play for this term, and there will be plenty of expectations on them here.

FIRST’s top tip for Manchester United vs Fulham

Despite the fact United have managed to keep clean sheets against Fulham twice this season, it feels as if goals are on the agenda in this FA Cup 5th round tie.

Both teams to score – 4/6 with BetMGM

Extra Tips

Manchester United have not kept a home clean sheet since 1 December 2024 in all competitions, and Fulham will have a good go from the outset.

Over 2.5 goals in the game – 10/11 with Mr.Play

With such attacking football on display, defenders will be walking a tightrope, and it feels as if both sides have the capacity to concede a penalty here. 

A penalty to be awarded in the match – 5/2 with Zetbet

Team news

Luke Shaw, Mason Mount, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Jonny Evans are long-term injury absentees for Manchester United, and they will miss out again here, with Patrick Dorgu suspended.

Fulham have some key men missing too, with Reiss Nelson, Kenny Tete, Emile Smith-Rowe and Harry Wilson all on the sidelines.

Manchester United vs Fulham predicted line-ups

Manchester United: Onana; Maguire, De Ligt, Yoro; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Fernandes, Dalot; Zirkzee, Garnacho; Hojlund (3-4-2-1)

Fulham: Leno; Bassey, Andersen, Diop; Castagne, Berge, Cairney, Robinson; Pereira, Iwobi; Jimenez (3-4-2-1)

Form guide (all competitions)

Manchester United: WLWWWLWLDW

Fulham: DWLWLWWWLW

Odds correct at the time of writing.