Early team news for United v Fulham

Wednesday 21 February 2024 12:00

Manchester United take on Fulham at Old Trafford in a traditional Saturday 15:00 GMT kick-off, marking the first game since Sir Jim Ratcliffe was confirmed as the club's new co-owner.

Luke Shaw has been ruled out after being withdrawn in the first half of our 2-1 victory at Luton Town.

The left-back had also only managed the opening 45 minutes of the previous game, away to Aston Villa, and manager Erik ten Hag admitted after the match on Sunday: "[It's] clear, when you come off, it doesn't look great."

Victor Lindelof deputised in the position, for the second game running, while Sofyan Amrabat came off the bench to perform in midfield but could be another option in the role.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been sidelined of late, which is unfortunate as any return for the defender would open up more possibilities, with either he or in-form Diogo Dalot capable of switching flanks.

Ten Hag is likely to provide an update in Friday's press conference at Carrington but Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Mason Mount and Anthony Martial have remained unavailable.

The boss named an unchanged team against Luton, only the second time that has happened this season.

Meanwhile, defender Willy Kambwala had an outing for the Under-21s in their Premier League 2 victory over Manchester City on Monday night.

 

FULHAM'S TEAM NEWS

Arguably the big pre-match story, so far, is the absence of the visitors' key midfielder Joao Palhinha. The Portugal international has made more tackles than anybody else in the top flight this term and is a vital screen in front of the defence for Marco Silva's side.

However, he has now accumulated 10 yellow cards so must serve a two-game ban.

Experienced striker Raul Jimenez is also out with a thigh problem but Armando Broja, on loan from neighbours Chelsea, looks likely to return from a virus. Kenny Tete also has a chance to prove his fitness.

Story updated 07:50 GMT, Thursday.

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