Friends of Fulham

Man Utd may drop five players in must-win Fulham match as Erik ten Hag feels the heat
Erik ten Hag could be tempted to drop several of his Manchester United flops against Fulham after their latest dismal defeat.

Manchester United's flops were booed off at Old Trafford in their 3-0 defeat to Newcastle United, giving Erik ten Hag the dilemma of whether to ditch his underwhelming players or back them ahead of their must-win clash with Fulham. Another heavy loss sent the Carabao Cup holders crashing out of the fourth round and Ten Hag may be forced to make major changes in order to save his skin, with several senior players failing to impress.

The Dutchman has now overseen a run of seven defeats in 12 games across all competitions and the 53-year-old is running out of time to turn things around after the fans abandoned the team before the final whistle on Wednesday.

He made seven changes from the side that lost by the same scoreline to Manchester City, but that only seemed to exacerbate the situation as his side plumbed lower depths against the Magpies. Goals from Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock put them to the sword, despite Newcastle putting out their second string, and United's key players brought on from the bench hardly fared any better.

In a bid to halt their slide, Ten Hag may face some tough calls ahead of Saturday's game. Express Sport looks at five players who are facing the axe.

Andre Onana
If Ten Hag is going down, Onana is likely to sink with him. The £47million goalkeeper has largely failed to reach expectations even when it comes to making simple stops in between the sticks and the decision to release David De Gea is looking worse with every day that passes.

Onana is not the sole reason for the Red Devils' woes, but the goalkeeper has done little to provide his defenders his confidence that he can keep the goals out. Since his move to the Premier League, he has conceded 26 goals in 15 games across all competitions, with only four clean sheets following in that time.

United signed Altay Bayindir to provide competition for Onana, or at least competent backup, and Ten Hag may need to have a difficult conversation with Onana to stop the slide with Bayindir chomping at the bit for a chance.

Diogo Dalot
The Portuguese can have no arguments if he is dropped from the starting XI for the trip to Craven Cottage after he was culpable for a shambolic display against Newcastle.

The 24-year-old was hooked for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the second half and it would be no surprise if Ten Hag repeated the switch against Fulham, just a week after his wonder strike secured all three points against Sheffield United.

Dalot was toyed with by the tricky Paraguayan Miguel Almiron and he looked like a deer in headlights for the first goal as Almiron left him for dead. Removing him at half-time was the only option after an awful display and the right-back is likely to be left out when Ten Hag picks his best XI on Saturday.

Mason Mount
A wise head and calm operator in midfield, Christian Eriksen's composed presence will surely be favoured over Mason Mount as the £60million signing continues to struggle.

Mount is yet to contribute a goal or assist since joining the Red Devils and he never looked like getting involved against Newcastle, as he spent the first half chasing shadows and the second looking unsure of his role in the No 8 position.

Eriksen has been one of few players to escape criticism and his wonderful delivery for Harry Maguire's header against FC Copenhagen proved he has the quality to create chances. Given how few opportunities United are actually making from open play, Ten Hag cannot afford to leave the Dane on the bench again - while Mount is left to reflect on how his career has nosedived in 2023.

Casemiro
It should be made clear that the Brazilian is set to miss the clash in west London through injury anyway. But there would be no guarantee of the Brazilian starting after his recent alarming dip in form.

The £70m signing was one of United's most reliable performers in Ten Hag's first months in Manchester and came up trumps with some vital performances in the midfield. Now he seems to go missing whenever he is on the pitch and it is with complete seriousness that United are better off with Scott McTominay in the heart of the midfield.

One thing the Red Devils can guarantee from the Scot is a tireless effort, as reflected by his sensational two-goal cameo in three minutes to snatch all three points against Brentford. As for Casemiro, no one would be surprised if he packed his bags for Saudi Arabia in January as uncertainty over his place in the team grows.

Victor Lindelof
The Swede was captain for the clash against Newcastle but hardly led by example. He might not have been to blame for the goals conceded, but Lindelof didn't wear the look of a leader trying to motivate his side.

The centre-back has been preferred to Raphael Varane in recent weeks, a move Ten Hag described as 'tactical', but that explanation will no longer fly with United fans questioning why the World Cup winner is being left out for no particular reason.

United have not kept a clean sheet in a Premier League game Lindelof has started since the 1-0 win over Burnley on September 23 and it is high time the Dutchman replaced the sloppy 29-year-old after his recent downturn in performance.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1830619/Man-Utd-team-news-Erik-ten-Hag-Fulham

Craven Cottage: 250 years – a review
To many of us, Craven Cottage is Fulham Football Club, our sacred home that supporters have campaigned, agitated and fought for over the years. Predecessor organisations of the Fulham Supporters' Trust refused to give up on the Cottage when owners, directors and others had long since written it off as either unsuitable for their ambitions or too valuable not to be exploited for other uses (and sometimes both).

To their great credit, and to the benefit of their readers, Martin Plumb, Ed Vanson and the legendary Ken Coton of Ashwater Press don't start their comprehensive history – Craven Cottage:250 Years –  with the construction of what we know of now as Craven Cottage. As keen readers of the earlier Ashwater books will appreciate, they do nothing by half measures. The painstaking research and eye for detail has given those of us with a strong connection to the place an authoritative and full history of every aspect of the site from the hunting lodge which gave Craven Cottage its name to the most recent changes made with the advent of the new Riverside Stand. No detail is too small, and the book is all the richer for that.

While covering every aspect of the history of the site, previous uses, its owners and status as a bargaining chip in ownership of areas of what was then a semi-rural suburb of London as Victorian housebuilding began in earnest, it is the many and complex stories of how our home has been at the heart of serial intrigues over the years which is as fascinating as it is incredible.

The complexities of construction on a constrained riverside site are not only a frustration in the much delayed and still only partially completed new stand, but date back to the original Archibald Leitch building and, as some may distantly recall, the earlier 1970s Eric Miller stand. By poring over archives and original documents, the engineering and construction detail are enthusiastically explained for the lay person. But it is in the intrigue around the serial botched and failed schemes of owners both mendacious and, latterly, trying their best to ensure the Club survived by proposing a life away from Craven Cottage, that will resonate the most.

In a section titled "Down the Rabbit Hole" every twist and turn, every face-saving compromise and incredible coincidence of the ultimately successful but frequently underestimated battle to save the Cottage is recorded. Unlike the incomplete version told by the Club even to this day, the reality of the secretive moves that led to our exile at Loftus Road and eventual return, are explained in a comprehensive and complete way.

And then there are, of course, the pictures. Ken Coton's remarkable archive has been plundered before for earlier Ashwater publications – but it is those not of the onfield action, perhaps taken almost incidentally, that make this book complete. Details of how things were, how they were done, how football was a different place to what we now take for granted ca be savoured for hours, the details a prompt for an examination of what made Fulham Football Club. The contrast could not be greater between what was an essentially small business living hand to mouth run  by local business people and enthusiasts compared to a massively indebted commercial institution with a mostly absent and emotionally distant US owner of today.

It is, sadly but understandably, the last book to bear the Ashwater imprint. Over the course of many years they have provided joy through reminiscence of our wonderful, sometimes underestimated and often unappreciated football club. The two years of research and preparation that led to this volume demonstrate just what a labour of love it has been and how incredibly fortunate we are that such a full, rich and authoritative history has been produced. There could not be a better subject to bow out on, and how impressively it has been done.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/11/craven-cottage-250-years-a-review/

Predicted Man United XI vs Fulham: Raphael Varane and Aaron Wan-Bissaka to bolster ailing defence
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has a simple decision to make when choosing his line-up for Saturday lunchtime's Premier League clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage.

That decision is do I stick with the game plan that has let me down so badly this season, or do I change it?

After two back-to-back 3-0 drubbings, he will surely try something new.

With United's wingers failing to perform in match after match, one option could be to switch Marcus Rashford to the right and try something else down the left.

Although Alejandro Garnacho didn't do that well there against Newcastle, he should at least get a run of games to try to find his feet, as others have been afforded.

Playing Bruno Fernandes in different positions has also been a failure and putting him back in the number 10 position so he too can find form is also a must.

Rasmus Hojlund should of course return up front in place of Anthony Martial, who was totally ineffective on Wednesday.

In midfield, Ten Hag said Casemiro will miss the game so we expect to see two of Sofyan Amrabat, Scott McTominay, Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen.

Mount still hasn't found his stride for United and a win is desperately needed, so he is unlikely to start.

The recent penchant for picking McTominay has reaped some benefits, including three goals and a player of the month nomination. On the other hand, he has drifted invisibly through large patches of recent games and conceded two penalties.

In addition, Ten Hag seems to prefer playing him higher up the pitch, which should no longer come at the expense of moving Fernandes for the aforementioned reasons.

That, plus the fact that United desperately need some creativity from deep, should mean that Eriksen partners Amrabat in the dual pivot.

Like McTominay, Harry Maguire has been enjoying a bit of a renaissance under Ten Hag but could have done much better against the Magpies. If Raphael Varane has recovered from illness, he should be reinstated and this is likely to be alongside Lindelof as Ten Hag does not fancy Maguire on the left side of the centre back partnership.

Diogo Dalot could well be dropped after a poor showing, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka taking his place.

Sergio Reguilon should start at left back with Andre Onana in goal.

Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Jadon Sancho and Amad Diallo are all still unavailable.

Here then is our predicted XI for tomorrow's game:




https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/11/03/predicted-man-united-xi-vs-fulham-raphael-varane-and-aaron-wan-bissaka-to-bolster-ailing-defence-271361/

The Rachel Yankey Trophy launched


The Trust are delighted to announce that the Rachel Yankey trophy has been created and will be awarded for the first time at the end of this season to the FFC Women's player of the year.

Trust Chair Simon Duke and Rachel herself were in attendance at the recent Dulwich Hamlet home game at Motspur Park to see the award presented to the team, and the players were delighted to have the opportunity to meet with the Fulham and England legend.

The forward helped the Whites to two FA Cups, two Premier League Cups and one league title, and her illustrious career also saw her capped 129 times for England. Signed shortly after Fulham became the first professional women's team in Europe, she formed part of a formidable team that included Marianne Spacey and Katie Chapman in its swashbuckling years. She moved to Arsenal in 2004 and sadly, that financial sustenance couldn't be continued by the Club and the women's team was disbanded in 2006.

Fulham FC Women in their new form, however, are creating a new chapter to the story of women's football at Fulham, and it is a poignant and important marker point that this trophy brings together those two eras of the female arm of our club. From captain Mary Southgate to future star Lily Lambird sparking for the team this season, huge progress is underway with Steve Jaye's team, and it's a proud moment for the Trust to be able to support this work.

The criteria for selection will recognise players who have:

    Shown a strong commitment to all aspects of the Fulham FC Women programme;
    Shown a winning mentality;
    Shown a consistent willingness to learn;
    Acted as a role model whom their peers look up to;
    Demonstrated the ability to deal with disappointment;
    Displayed a noticeable improvement in the development of their skills and
    understanding of the game;
    Acted as an ambassador for the club and have clearly demonstrated Fulham FC Women
    values.

Every member of the Fulham FC Women squad, management and coaching staff will be
eligible to vote.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/11/the-rachel-yankey-trophy-launched/

Fulham set to receive £3m offer for Marco Silva's "revelation" in January
The Cottagers are facing a battle to hang onto one of their prized assets.

Fulham could be set to lose one of their first-team players next year, with a reliable journalist detailing that he is wanted by a huge club overseas ahead of January.

Fulham's form and results so far
Marco Silva's side have made a disappointing start to the new top-flight campaign having won three, drawn three and lost four of their opening ten games, meaning that they currently find themselves 14th in the league table.

The Cottagers are sitting just seven points above the relegation zone as it stands so if results continue in this matter between now and the upcoming window opening, the board will have to think about selling some players to replace them with better ones.

Rodrigo Muniz first put pen to paper at the club from Flamengo back in 2021, and he's since gone on to make a total of 35 appearances to date having been sent out on loan to Championship side Middlesbrough last season (Transfermarkt - Muniz statistics), but he's recently significantly fallen out of favour.

The Brazilian striker has made zero starts and just four substitute outings this term in the Premier League (WhoScored - Muniz statistics), and the 22-year-old having dropped down the pecking order appears to have alerted a new admirer overseas.

Atletico Madrid interested in Rodrigo Muniz
According to Thiago Fernandes when writing for Goal Brasil (via Sport Witness), Atletico Madrid are readying a bid for Muniz in January. The La Liga outfit are "preparing an offer" for the centre-forward at the start of next year, believed to be in the region of €4m (£3m).

Diego Simeone's side are yet to make an official approach or to open talks to discover what the conditions of a deal would look like, but should his game time not start improving, this could definitely be a situation to keep a close eye on in the coming weeks and months.

Don't sell! Muniz is Silva's "revelation"
During his time at Flamengo, Muniz was dubbed a "revelation" by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, and whilst he's failed to replicate that exact kind of prolific form at Fulham, Silva should definitely keep him in the building and offer him more minutes.

Sponsored by Puma, the attacker may have only scored six goals at the club so far, but having found the back of the net during Wednesday evening's 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Ipswich Town, it just shows that he is capable of performing if he's given a regular run in the team where he can showcase his talent.

In his debut season at Craven Cottage, Muniz also helped the club to achieve promotion back to the Premier League so he knows what it takes to be successful and possesses the winning mentality needed to improve results right now, so it would be somewhat of a mistake if the hierarchy allow him to leave in January, especially when the current forward options are not exactly banging the goals in.



https://www.footballfancast.com/fulham-news-rodrigo-muniz-atletico-madrid-latest-transfer-rumours/

Manchester United XI vs Fulham: Predicted lineup, confirmed team news and injury latest
Raphael Varane a doubt with several team selection questions being pondered

Erik ten Hag faces one of the most crucial selections of his Manchester United career at Fulham on Saturday.

The pressure is rising on the manager after back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle, with a large portion of the Red Devils fanbase calling for him to be sacked.

A victory at Craven Cottage will go a long way to quashing that threat but a number of injury and selection headaches are present before the trip to London.

Casemiro is out for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the Carabao Cup.

Despite being able to call upon Raphael Varane once again, Victor Lindelof is now a doubt due to illness.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka is a contender to make his first start since early September to refresh a backline in desperate need of some defensive nous.

Ten Hag will still have to decide whether to partner Harry Maguire or Jonny Evans with Varane, while both Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon are out of form in the stakes to start at left-back.

In midfield, very few of United's options have made a strong case to start of late but Sofyan Amrabat is likely to get the nod in Casemiro's absence and Scott McTominay should continue in the XI.

Mason Mount and Christian Eriksen will compete to join them with Ten Hag preferring to move Bruno Fernandes out wide amid Antony's recent poor form.

The Brazilian, along with Alejandro Garnacho, has failed to convince of late which opens up the possibility of a surprise selection of a youngster such as Facundro Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri or the returning Kobbie Mainoo.

Predicted Man Utd XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Amrabat, Mount, McTominay; Fernandes, Hojlund, Rashford

Doubts: Lindelof

Injuries: Martinez, Malacia, Shaw, Amad, Casemiro

Unavailable: Sancho

Time and date: 12.30pm GMT, Saturday November 4, 2023

Venue: Craven Cottage



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-xi-vs-fulham-fc-predicted-lineup-confirmed-team-news-injury-latest-premier-league-b1117907.html

Man Utd visit to Fulham to be hit with supporter protests - but not by Red Devils fans
Manchester United's visit to Fulham this weekend will be hit with protests from supporters, but it's the home side venting their frustrations.

Manchester United visit Fulham in this weekend's early Saturday kick-off in the Premier League and the meeting is set to be hit by supporter protests but, perhaps surprisingly, not from the Red Devils camp.

A 3-0 home defeat to Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night followed a loss to the same scoreline at Old Trafford against Manchester City last weekend as unrest among Red Devils fans continues to grow. The fan base has also seen their side beaten by Brighton, Crystal Palace and FC Copenhagen at the Theatre of Dreams since the start of the season.

Those results coupled with the frustrating takeover circus being conducted by the Glazers and questions over manager Erik ten Hag's player management in the wake of Jadon Sancho's banishment has left Manchester United in somewhat of a crisis mode - although 'fighter' Ten Hag is determined to steer his side back on track.

With so much going on around Manchester United, many may think that any protest at Craven Cottage tomorrow would be coming from the away fans camp.

Fulham supporters this year are protesting the cost of tickets at the London club with the Cottagers offering some of the most expensive tickets in the Premier League. The Fulham Supporters Trust claims that the majority of tickets in the Hammersmith End had risen 40% from 2019 to a price of £77 with standard tickets in the Johnny Haynes Stand rising to a huge £160.

The group has issued a number of statements and is in conversation with the club on the matter. This weekend Fulham supporters will march through Bishops Park to Craven Cottage before the match to show their frustration at the price of following their club.

Fans are also expected to hold up a sea of yellow cards during the match which read 'please don't price us out'. The action will take place in the 18th minute against Manchester United, to 'represent the typical 18% price increase and give a clear message that we need an #AffordableFulham'.

Statement from Fulham Supporters Trust on Man Utd fixture protest
A lengthy statement from the Fulham Supporters Trust said: "We say "enough". We understand the challenges of running a football club and we appreciate the vast sums that have been committed by the Club's owners over a decade of losses. We agree with financial sustainability, but the shortfalls can't be made up by a ticket policy that prices out our traditional fan base in favour of short-term attendees who are prepared to pay big money for a one-off experience and never come back.

"This is a point the Fulham Supporters' Trust has made time and again over recent years. Regrettably, despite football claiming it is listening to fans as it seeks to avoid a regulator, we are not being heard by the senior management at Fulham. It is time to turn up the volume.

"We're not looking for the owners to commit even more of their own money, but we are asking for an overhaul of the business model to make sure that responsibility for the shortfall isn't targeted at those who can least afford it. In a football world where TV pumps in billions, players are paid in six figures per week, transfer fees are in the tens of millions and agents take a huge cut for themselves, there are better ways to balance the books than to seek to make a few tens of thousands from fans who earn normal wages in the real world.

"For our game against Manchester United, the Fulham Supporters' Trust will join forces with the Fulham Lillies and a large number of Fulham media outlets to demonstrate to senior club management that Fulham fans are united against increasingly unaffordable ticket prices that threaten the family-friendly nature of our club. The fan media outlets support this action, have endorsed this statement and will publicise it to the wider fanbase.

"We call on all Fulham fans to join us in delivering a clear, peaceful but loud message that these prices must be brought down and that ticketing policy must focus on ensuring real Fulham fans can afford both to attend and to encourage the next generation to attend. You may be able to afford your season ticket this year, but what about next? What about when you want to bring family members? How is the next generation going to be able to afford to fall in love with Fulham?"



https://www.manchesterworld.uk/sport/football/manchester-united/man-utd-visit-to-fulham-to-be-hit-with-supporter-protests-but-not-by-red-devils-fans-4396345

How to get the best out of Harry Wilson

Macsen Morgan says the ingredients are already available to get the best out of our Welsh wizard.

After being in the stands last month to witness Harry Wilson's brilliant performance against Croatia, scoring a brace and carrying Wales to victory against a team including stars like Modric and Gvardiol, I – like many others – am wondering how Rob Page brings out the best in a player that we don't see much of in a white shirt.

Couple that with his performance and well-taken goal against Ipswich in the Carabao Cup this week, and calls for him to start in a side that's struggling for attacking impetus get harder to ignore.

He needs freedom

When looking at why Wilson has stood out for Wales of late, you first need to look at positioning. For Wales, he plays on the left with the freedom to drift centrally and play as a 10, whereas for Fulham he tends to be more restricted to staying on the right wing and playing as a traditional winger where he has to beat his man and get the ball into the middle. The positional freedom that Page gives Wilson allows him to drift into the centre to pick up the ball out of the midfield and drive forward to create chances.

Rodrigo the lock picker?

Another reason that makes a difference is the teammates that he plays alongside. The main one is Kieffer Moore, as his ability to win flick-ons allows Wilson to use his pace and skill to receive the ball and either drive at the defence or move the ball towards the wings.

A parallel can be drawn to Mitrovic during the Championship season, which means that Wilson works the best with a physically strong striker to win balls in the air, which frees him to be more creative and make those chances. A new striker is on the wishlist for most Fulham fans in January, but if you're after a forward player who can hold the ball up, in the short-term at least perhaps we look no further than Rodrigo Muniz, who also impressed on Wednesday, not just through his goal but his ability to keep the ball and bring others into play. 

Cup indicator

Wilson's Carabao Cup performance surely puts him in contention against Manchester United.  AS well as opening the scoring, Harry helped create the second goal as he drove through the centre and played a great pass out to the wing for the cross from Pereira to Muniz. This shows that we don't need many changes to unlock another potent goal-scoring source that can help ease our current struggles.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-11-03-how-to-get-the-best-out-of-harry-wilson/

Fulham must pay well over £50 million for 22-year-old attacker
Fulham are keen on signing the Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez.

A report from TeamTalk claims that the London outfit have already made a £43.5 million move for the player, but that is unlikely to be enough to secure his services. Apparently, the striker is valued in excess of £50 million and Fulham would have to smash their club transfer record in order to sign him.

The Londoners currently have Jean Michel Seri as their club record signing for a fee of around £25 million. It is fair to assume that they would have to pay more than double that amount in order to sign Gimenez.

The 22-year-old has established himself as a key player for Feyenoord and he helped them win the league title last season. He scored 23 goals across all competitions, and he could transform Fulham in the attack.

The Premier League side are yet to bring in a quality replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic and the Mexican certainly fits the profile. He has been linked with a number of big clubs as well. It remains to be seen whether the striker is prepared to move to Fulham if the two clubs can agree on a fee.

He might hold out for a big club capable of challenging for major trophies. It will be interesting to see how the situation develops over the next few months.

Whoever ends up signing the 22-year-old striker would have a reliable goalscorer on their hands, and he is only going to improve with coaching and experience.



https://www.caughtoffside.com/2023/11/03/fulham-must-pay-well-over-50-million-for-22-year-old-attacker/

Can Fulham hammer another nail into the Manchester United coffin?

Jack Stroudley assesses if Fulham can beat Manchester United.

It's been quite a positive week for Fulham. A very solid point on the road at Brighton was followed by a comfortable dispatching of high-flying Ipswich Town to secure a Carabao Cup quarter-final place. Coming into our third game in six days, we now welcome struggling Manchester United to Craven Cottage. The pressure is certainly looming for Erik ten Hag, but can Fulham round off a successful week with another positive result?

The opposition

It's been an unconvincing start to the season for Manchester United, sitting in eighth place and with successive 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford, there is certainly more riding on this game for them than Fulham. Their away record is okay this season with narrow wins over Burnley and Sheffield United, but defeats away to Tottenham and Arsenal.

The Red Devils will also be without quite a few key players with Raphael Varane being a doubt and Casemiro confirmed to be missing the early kick-off. Following a positive week, Fulham will feel they can get at Manchester United and really pile on the pressure early in the game, but how should we line up?

How do we prepare?

(https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/SOCIAL-Starting-XI-Graphic-12.png?ezimgfmt=ng:webp/ngcb1)

I would make two changes to the side that drew at the AmEx on Sunday, with Sasa Lukic and Rodrigo Muniz coming in for Harrison Reed and Raul Jimenez.

If you'd have told me in the summer, I'd be suggesting Rodrigo Muniz to start a Premier League game I'd call you crazy, but here we are. It's apparent that the striker position is still up for grabs with neither Jimenez or Vinicius truly staking a claim, so why not give Muniz a go? He's performed well off the bench this season with his ability to press and force mistakes from opposition defenders and his Carabao Cup goal in the week will certainly give him confidence.

Choosing between Lukic and Reed is a bit of a toss-up and in all honesty I wouldn't really mind if either of them played. I've gone with the Serbian this time as I feel his ability to pick out a pass and bring play forward could be important to us on the counter.

I've seen some shouts online of Ballo-Toure starting following his brilliant Carabao Cup display, but I think Robinson has been very good this season and there's no real need to upset the apple cart too much.

The final verdict

I'm actually very confident about this one; Manchester United are continuing to be the least convincing big six side and we showed three times last season that we can give them a game. If Fulham can get at them early it will unsettle the players and the fans travelling to London. I think it'll end a point apiece on Saturday.



https://www.fulhamish.co.uk/post/2023-11-03-can-fulham-add-another-nail-to-the-manchester-united-coffin/

Leno Wary Of United Threat


Bernd Leno is wary of the threat Manchester United will pose at Craven Cottage this Saturday lunchtime.

The Reds have lost half of their Premier League matches so far this season, but Leno knows that a side with so much talent cannot be taken lightly.

"It's been a very difficult season for them, with a lot of ups and downs, but that makes them even more dangerous," he said.

"They are under big, big pressure, they have big players, good players with a lot of quality, so they will demand everything from us because they need the three points, so I think we have to expect a very good Man United team.

"They are probably not full of confidence but, as I said, that makes them even more dangerous."

Results at the Cottage have been a mixed bag for Fulham this term, and Leno is keen to see the group add some more consistency on home soil.

"I think last season you could see that our home form was probably the main reason for our success," he stated.

"This season, we won against Luton and Sheffield United, but against Chelsea and Brentford we didn't show our best, so we have to improve that.

"With the crowd, hopefully against Manchester United we can change that to do the same as last season."



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/03/leno-wary-of-united-threat/

Trust letter to Government on pricing
As part of our campaign to raise awareness and seek assistance in creating an #AffordableFulham, Trust Chair Simon Duke has written to Lucy Frazer KC, Secretary of State for Culture, Media, and Sport and her shadow, Thangam Debbonaire.

(https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Letter-Lucy-Frazer-double-2048x1446.jpg.webp)

You can read the full text of the letter below.

    Dear Secretary of State

    Fulham fans warmly welcomed the strength of support given by politicians across the political divide in 2021 to prevent the European Super League damaging our historic game. The subsequent commitment to regulate football and ensure the voice of fans is heard by clubs is another important step forward.

    The Fulham Supporters' Trust was formed in 2000 because our then owner was not listening to our fans. Originally named 'Back to the Cottage', our fans rallied to protect our club and keep us at our historic Craven Cottage home. We were successful because we worked sensibly to provide a tangible way forward, ensuring our voice was heard when needed.

    In 2014 our Trust began a regular Structured Dialogue with the Club which continues today. It should provide a crucial link between the supporters and the Club's staff at the highest level and has been used regularly to solve problems, introduce fan-oriented initiatives and, in general, make sure that Fulham's supporters are at the heart of the Club's decision making. In essence, the principles behind this model are what you are seeking to put in place across the game. And that is why I am writing to you today.

    Regrettably, in recent years, it has felt like the dialogue has not been as real as it should be. We have repeatedly voiced concerns about increased ticket pricing that threaten to price out traditional Fulham fans. This started in 2018 after Fulham returned to the Premier League. The euphoria of promotion was replaced by the stark reality of match day tickets rising steeply – as high as £55 in the Hammersmith End of the ground and more expensive elsewhere. Whilst season tickets were fairly priced, this 'Premier League tax' for normal tickets was a sign of things to come.

    Despite relegation (twice), a pandemic and a massively overrunning rebuild of a new Riverside Stand, Fulham seem to have some welcome stability on the pitch in the Premier League. However, off the pitch those £55 tickets now feel more like an aspiration than a burden. For our upcoming game against Manchester United on Saturday, most seats in the Hammersmith End have risen 18% since last season and a whopping 40% since 2019, and now cost £77.

    It costs even more elsewhere in the ground – up to £106 in the Johnny Haynes Stand and £160 in the Riverside Stand. These are the most expensive standard tickets in the Premier League and it's not just the high profile matches that are on the rise. Ticket prices for all categories of match have risen steeply since last year, typically 18% in the three old stands and substantially more in the Riverside Stand. The majority of adult tickets behind the goal cost £71 against Sheffield United with prices at the sides up to £125. For a family of four Fulham fans, it would now cost from £172 – £212 to attend such a game in the Hammersmith End. So much for Fulham being "a family friendly" club.

    What about season tickets? Those prices have also been climbing – up 10% in 2022 and another 18% in 2023 with prices as much as £3,000 in the incomplete Riverside. If next season's renewal prices match this year's new season ticket prices, as history tells us they're likely to, we'll have seen a 66% hike in three years. Given the cost-of-living crisis, our fans will not be able to afford such increases for long.

    We understand the challenges of running a football club and we appreciate the vast sums that have been committed by the Club's owners over a decade of losses. We agree with financial sustainability, but the shortfalls can't be made up by a ticket policy that prices out our traditional fan base in favour of short-term attendees who are prepared to pay big money for a one-off experience and never come back. This is a point the Fulham Supporters' Trust has made time and again over recent years. Regrettably, despite football claiming it was listening to fans as it sought to avoid a regulator, we are not being heard by the senior management at Fulham.

    This Saturday we will turn up the volume and peacefully protest the price rises. This is not a regular event for Fulham fans, but a sign of how hard prices are hitting. Given your support for supporters being heard, we wanted to ensure you understood the reality of what we are facing. We have repeatedly been told our dialogue with Fulham was "best in class" – indeed, it has been award-winning. Yet, our sensible suggestions are not heard, and worse, the club does not even deem it important to meaningfully discuss price rises with our Board [elected by Fulham fans] before they are made public. Regulating football is important, but it would be a mistake if the new regulations simply allowed clubs to hide behind the pretence of fan engagement. It must be meaningful if we are to protect the game and its loyal fans.

    We would be delighted to meet with you to discuss our experiences should you feel it helpful. Please keep supporting football fans. This game is too important to us all to allow well meaning political steps to be watered down or rendered useless by clubs who seek to replace real fan engagement with PR driven fan management.

    Yours sincerely,
    Simon Duke
    Chair
    Fulham Supporters' Trust

Please join us this Saturday at the Tea House in Bishops Park from 11 am, where we will depart at 11:30 for an organised walk to Craven Cottage. This peaceful walk is to show solidarity between us and highlight that we have had enough of the current annual price hikes.

Do also look out for our Yellow Cards as you approach Craven Cottage.


If you are attending the game this Saturday, please pick up a Yellow Card that we request fans to display in the 18th minute of the game, to highlight the typical price increase of 18% this season.



https://www.fulhamsupporterstrust.com/news/2023/11/trust-letter-to-government-on-pricing/

Team News: Fulham vs. Manchester United injury, suspension list, predicted XIs
Seeking to avoid a third defeat on the bounce across all tournaments, a declining Manchester United open this weekend's Premier League action against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday lunchtime.

The Red Devils' EFL Cup title defence came to an end in an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Newcastle United, whereas Fulham advanced to the quarter-finals courtesy of a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town, and here Sports Mole rounds up the team news for the two clubs.

FULHAM vs. MANCHESTER UNITED
FULHAM
Out: Issa Diop (foot)

Doubtful: Adama Traore (thigh), Kenny Tete (unspecified), Tosin Adarabioyo (groin)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Leno; Castagne, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz

MANCHESTER UNITED
Out: Casemiro (hamstring), Lisandro Martinez (foot), Luke Shaw (muscle), Amad Diallo (knee), Jadon Sancho (disciplinary), Tyrell Malacia (knee)

Doubtful: Victor Lindelof (illness), Raphael Varane (illness)

Sports Mole's predicted XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; McTominay, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund



https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-utd/injury-news/team-news/team-news-fulham-vs-man-utd-injury-suspension-list-predicted-xis_528007.html?newsnow

Fulham v Manchester United

TEAM NEWS
Fulham boss Marco Silva will restore a host of players to his starting line-up after making eight changes in midweek.

osin Adarabioyo, Kenny Tete and Adama Traore are back in training after injury, but Issa Diop is still out.

Manchester United's Casemiro has been ruled out for several weeks with a hamstring injury.

Raphael Varane is a doubt due to illness, while they remain without Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia, Lisandro Martinez, Jadon Sancho and Luke Shaw.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

    Fulham have won just three of their 32 Premier League games against Manchester United.
    The Cottagers are winless in 15 league meetings since they recorded back-to-back victories in March and December 2009 (D3, L12).

Fulham

    Fulham have exactly the same league record after 10 matches as they did last season but have scored seven fewer goals.
    The Cottagers have not scored a first-half goal in a league match at Craven Cottage so far this campaign. Unsurprisingly, their first-half record is the worst in the division, with Manchester United 18th.
    Marco Silva's only win in his six Premier League matches as a manager against Manchester United was 4-0 for Everton in April 2019.

Manchester United

    Manchester United have suffered as many as eight losses in their opening 15 fixtures in all competitions for the first time since registering nine defeats at the same stage in 1962-63.
    This is the first time they have lost five of their opening 10 league matches in a season since the 1986-87 campaign. Alex Ferguson was appointed manager to replace Ron Atkinson on 6 November of that campaign.
    United's goal difference of -5 is their worst after 10 league fixtures since 1972-73. Only after three games of the 2020-21 season have they ever had a lower goal difference at any stage of a Premier League campaign (-6).
    United are aiming to win three consecutive league away matches for the first time since a run of 10 between June and December 2020.
    However, they have won just one of their last 11 league games in London, although that was at Craven Cottage last November.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67247521

Will Palhinha or Amrabat dictate key midfield battle?
Adrian Clarke says Man Utd's Moroccan has a point to prove against Fulham's in-form star

Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 11.

Player analysis: Joao Palhinha (Fulham)
Manchester United's midfield has been outfought and overrun on several occasions already this season – and on Saturday they come face-to-face with Palhinha, the division's most aggressive ball-winning central midfielder.

The Portuguese star has been in phenomenal form, outlining why Bayern Munich were so keen to sign him during the summer, with a series of all-action performances for Fulham.

His tenacity and tempo-setting will pose a major challenge to Erik ten Hag's side, especially in the absence of the injured Casemiro.

Leading man
There have been a number of impressive displays from defensive midfielders in 2023/24 so far, but no one has racked up numbers which match Fulham's main man.

Averaging over six tackles per match (no other player has made more than four), the 28-year-old is ranked No 1 among Premier League midfielders for tackles, tackles won, duels won and possession won inside the defensive third.

He is also in the division's top three for interceptions and ball recoveries.

Palhinha midfield stats

2023/24	Per 90	PL rank
Tackles	6.28	1st
Tackles won	3.07	1st
Duels won	9.09	1st
Poss. won defensive third	4.74	1st
Interceptions	2.23	2nd
Possession won	8.37	3rd

*PL midfielders, min. four starts

Brilliant at Brighton
Palhinha delivered a marvellous individual display in Fulham's 2-0 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur, winning six of seven tackles on a night when he protected the back four magnificently under sustained pressure.

He backed that up with an even better showing in last Sunday's 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Aside from scoring a fantastic equaliser, Palhinha won five out of 10 tackles, also produced three clearances, five interceptions and 11 ball recoveries, as seen on his defensive chalkboard below:

(https://resources.premierleague.com/photos/2023/11/03/55f9289f-fda3-4900-94c9-4598ddfe6941/Palhinha-v-Brighton-chalkboard.jpg?width=1400&height=800)
Blue: recoveries, clearances and interceptions. Green: tackles won. Red: tackles lost

With a poor run of results adding pressure on a United side that has misfired in recent weeks, the lively Palhinha could be their worst nightmare.

The Cottagers star will not give his opponents a moment's peace when they have possession, relishing the prospect of unsettling them further.

Player analysis: Sofyan Amrabat (Man Utd)
Palhinha's form is in contrast with Man Utd's new defensive midfielder Amrabat, who has struggled to recapture his stirring FIFA World Cup 2022 performances.

The Moroccan has made 3.74 tackles per 90, but in matches where his side has dominated possession, Amrabat has struggled to make a big impact.

Flanked by midfielders who are not as defensive-minded, and part of a team shape that has been ragged, Amrabat has been stretched too often and asked to cover a lot of ground in recent weeks.

He runs 11.4km per 90 minutes compared with the 11km of Palhinha, who can afford to be a little more efficient with his physical output because of Marco Silva's set-up.

Amrabat is at his best as a single deep-lying anchor, but he has picked up three bookings in five starts in all competitions. This could be another sign of how stretched he has been in the central third. His overall defensive numbers are respectable, but in each category, he is way behind Palhinha.

Palhinha v Amrabat stats comparison

2023/24	Palhinha	Amrabat
Tackles/90	6.28	3.74
Tackles won/90	3.07	2.01
Duels won/90	9.09	6.04
Poss. won defensive third/90	4.74	2.59
Interceptions/90	2.23	0.86
Possession won/90	8.37	4.89
Successful long passes/90	4.05	5.18

Casemiro's injury gives Amrabat another chance to shine this weekend, and after being substituted at half-time in each of his last two starts, he will be determined to make a positive early impression at Craven Cottage.

Amrabat's duel with Palhinha will provide Man Utd's summer signing with a stern test against one of the division's star performers.



https://www.premierleague.com/news/3764902

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has 'one more game' against Fulham as six players 'want sack'
Erik ten Hag could be on borrowed time at Manchester United ahead of Saturday's trip to Fulham.

Saturday's Premier League trip to Fulham could be Erik ten Hag's final game as Manchester United manager, according to Gabby Agbonlahor. The former Aston Villa striker believes players will already be whispering about Ten Hag's impending exit amid a nightmare start to the season.

Newcastle United's 3-0 Carabao Cup win on Wednesday, three days after Manchester City triumphed by the same scoreline at Old Trafford, intensified the pressure.

Ten Hag has overseen eight defeats in 15 games this term, including five in 10 at home, and is expected to become the latest manager to fail to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson.

United's dressing room has reportedly become increasingly disgruntled under the Dutchman over his treatment of team-mates and lack of charisma.

And while United's decision-makers aren't planning to sack Ten Hag despite the club's woes, there is a belief that an upturn in results is crucial.

But Agbonlahor believes there will be several members of Ten Hag's squad who are already hoping for a change.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1831161/Man-Utd-news-Erik-ten-Hag-Fulham

Who is Rebecca Welch? Meet Premier League history-making referee as she takes charge of Fulham vs Man United

    Rebecca Welch will be the fourth official for Fulham vs Manchester United
    She will be the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier League game

Rebecca Welch is set to make history for Manchester United's Premier League clash with Fulham.

Welch, 39, will be the fourth official for Fulham's clash against the Red Devils at Craven Cottage - becoming the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier League game.

The promotion of Welch is also the latest example of PGMOL advancing diversity among officials.

Back in January, Bhupinder Singh Gill was the first Sikh-Punjabi to be an assistant referee in the top flight when Southampton played Nottingham Forest. Several other young and promising referees have also quickly risen through the ranks in recent times.

Mail Sport breaks down everything you need to know about Premier League history-making referee Rebecca Welch.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/03/12/77328029-12706955-Rebecca_Welch_will_be_the_first_ever_woman_referee_to_be_involve-a-22_1699016014364.jpg)
Rebecca Welch will be the first ever woman referee to be involved in a Premier League game
 
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/03/12/77364165-12706955-image-a-21_1699015943389.jpg)
Welch will be involved in Manchester United's Premier League clash with Fulham
Who is Rebecca Welch?
Born in Washington, Tyne and Wear, Welch qualified through the Durham County FA and began refereeing in Sunday leagues in Sunderland.

Welch began her refereeing career in 2010, while also working an administrative job in the NHS. The 39-year-old went full time in 2019.

Since then, she has featured regularly in the Women's Super League. Welch has consistently broken records as she was also the first woman to referee an EFL match when she took charge of Harrogate Town vs Port Vale in League Two in 2021.

She has had a fast rise up the officiating ladder over the past year, with Welch taking charge of Birmingham City vs Preston North End in January, becoming the first female official to referee a Championship game in the process.

Welch also took charge of three games at the Women's World Cup over the summer after being promoted to UEFA's elite category of female referees in 2020.

For United's clash with Fulham, Welch will become the fourth woman to be a part of the team of officials for a Premier League game. It follows on from assistant referees Wendy Toms, Sian Massey-Ellis and Natalie Aspinall.

There will be two women officials featuring in the showdown between Fulham and United. As well as Welch, Massey-Ellis will be working as an Assistant VAR for the fixture.

As alluded to, the promotion of Welch is also the latest example of PGMOL advancing diversity among officials.

Bhupinder Singh Gill was the first Sikh-Punjabi to be an assistant referee in the top flight when Southampton played Nottingham Forest back in January.

(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/03/12/77328051-12706955-Welch_who_refereed_at_the_Women_s_World_Cup_is_fourth_official_f-a-23_1699016050110.jpg)
Welch - who refereed at the Women's World Cup - went full time back in 2019
 
(https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/11/03/12/77328031-12706955-Welch_was_the_first_female_to_officiate_in_the_EFL_when_she_took-a-24_1699016052313.jpg)
Welch was the first female to officiate in the EFL when she took charge of Harrogate vs Port Vale in 2021 in League Two
What has she said on refereeing?
Speaking ahead of Harrogate Town's clash with Port Vale - where Welch became the first woman to referee an EFL match, she revealed that it was important to show that woman can proceed to the next level

Speaking to The Guardian, Welch said: 'I'm really excited and this is what I've been working towards. In the last 10 years I've put a lot of hard work and commitment in and I've reaped the rewards from that by getting promoted. To be given this opportunity to work in the EFL is amazing for me.

'I'd never seen myself as a trailblazer until the last year, where I've started to accept it because I think it's important that people who are fortunate enough to be in my position or similar can show people that this can be done,' she said.

'I do think it's important to show that women who are in the top 1% of their category can proceed to the next level so it definitely makes others down the pyramid look up and know that they can achieve the same.'



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-12706955/Who-Rebecca-Welch-Premier-League.html

Liverpool (A) Tickets
Tickets for Fulham's away fixture against Liverpool will go on sale from Wednesday 8th November, 10am.

Fulham make the trip to Merseyside to take on the Reds in the Premier League on Sunday 3rd December, kick-off 2pm.

Tickets for this fixture will be released to 2023/24 Season Ticket Holders (two tickets per person) from Wednesday 8th November, 10am. Before going on sale to 2023/24 Members (two tickets per person) on Friday 10th November, 10am and then to Supporters with Previous Booking History (two tickets per person) on Monday 13th November, 10am.

Adult tickets for this match are priced at £30, with Over 65's priced at £22.50, Young Adults priced at £15 and Under 16's priced at £9.

BUY TICKETS FROM WEDNESDAY

Supporters will be able to secure their seats online at tickets.fulhamfc.com or by calling the Fulham FC Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810, or by visiting the Ticket Office in person.

Please note, supporters will need to ensure they are logged in to their OneFulham Account and have linked their ticketing account in order to purchase online. For more information on the OneFulham Account, please click here.

More information about this fixture, including the stadium Bag Policy, can be found here.



https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/03/liverpool-away-tickets/

Preview: Three points imperative at Craven Cottage as pressure continues to mount on Ten Hag's shoulders
Manchester United make the trip to Craven Cottage in their return to Premier League action this Saturday after a tumultuous week in M16.

The worst start to a season in 61 years has seen Erik ten Hag come under fire and according to certain reports, be on the brink of losing his job.

Other outlets suggest that the board currently have no plans in place to relieve the Dutchman of his duties, but they have drawn up a shortlist of potential candidates in case the situation worsens in the coming weeks.

Being United's manager is one of the most scrutinised positions in world football and if results continue as they are, nobody would be surprised to see a new face in the dugout by the end of the campaign.

Three points imperative for Reds on the road
The first chance at 'bouncing back' comes this Saturday, with United and Fulham starting matchweek 11 in the early kick-off slot.

United sit eighth-placed and have overseen two losses against Manchester City and Newcastle United respectively – both by a three-goal margin – and a win against Copenhagen in their past three outings prior to tomorrow's clash.

Meanwhile, the Cottagers progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 win over in-form Championship outfit Ipswich Town on Wednesday and last time out in the league, they drew 1-1 with Brighton and Hove Albion at the Amex following their 2-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.



https://strettynews.com/2023/11/03/preview-three-points-imperative-at-craven-cottage-as-pressure-continues-to-mount-on-ten-hags-shoulders/

Ten Hag's team news for Fulham trip

Erik ten Hag has delivered an update on his squad ahead of Manchester United's Premier League visit to Fulham.
The manager spoke to the media in his usual pre-match press conference, just an hour or so after the club confirmed how long Casemiro is expected to be ruled out.

The Brazilian is set to miss several weeks of action after sustaining a hamstring injury on Wednesday night, during the first half of our Carabao Cup tie against Newcastle United.

Ten Hag's only addition to his absent or doubtful list was Victor Lindelof.

"From illness," explained Erik. "We have to see if he is ready for tomorrow."

On a more positive note, Lindelof's fellow centre-back Raphael Varane could feature against the Cottagers.

"Varane is ready to play," confirmed the manager.

"He will be travelling with the squad."

The Frenchman was an unused substitute for the Newcastle game, as Ten Hag made seven alterations from his previous starting line-up, in the Manchester derby.

Lindelof and Harry Maguire were paired at the heart of the rearguard against the Magpies, while Diogo Dalot and Sergio Reguilon, making only his fifth start of the season, were the full-backs.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka came off the bench at half-time in the Carabao Cup tie to clock up his first minutes on the pitch since 16 September.

FULHAM TEAM NEWS
Our hosts for the Premier League's Saturday lunchtime fixture (kick-off 12:30 GMT) should also revert to a more familiar line-up, after manager Marco Silva freshened up his side for their midweek Carabao Cup win away to Championship high-flyers Ipswich Town.

"We made eight changes to our starting 11," said the Portuguese, in his post-match press conference at Portman Road.

"Even then, we probably needed more because we have an early kick-off on Saturday."

Like United, Fulham have had injury problems in central defence. Former England youth international Tosin Adarabioyo is edging closer to a return after being out of action since late August, and French centre-back Issa Diop has also missed the London club's last five games.

Silva told club media that he will make a decision on whether Dutch right-back Kenny Tete, another recent absentee, is ready to face United but said former Wolves forward Adama Traore will need more time to recover from his hamstring injury.

The teams will be announced on ManUtd.com and in the United App at 11:30 GMT on Saturday.



https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/erik-ten-hag-team-news-update-for-fulham-v-man-utd-in-premier-league-november-2023

Raphael Varane fit to face Fulham but Manchester United hit by fresh blow
Victor Lindelof a doubt for weekend due to illness

Manchester United have received good news and bad news on the fitness front ahead of facing Fulham.

Erik ten Hag was able to confirm Raphael Varane's return from a fever for the weekend's trip to the capital but Victor Lindelof is a doubt due to illness.

The Swedish defender will be assessed ahead of the squad travelling down south with this blow coming as just the latest injury issue to hit United.

Casemiro was ruled out for several weeks on Friday having picked up a hamstring strain in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle.

Ten Hag is having to rally his side from a pair of 3-0 defeats at Old Trafford in the past few days, which have put his job at risk.

However, the Dutchman has insisted that his future is not on the line in the lunchtime kick-off against Fulham.

When asked if the game was a must-win, he said: "I never think of such scenarios.

"We have to win every game. We have prepared very well and I'm sure the players are ready tomorrow to execute the plan.

"They are positive. They want to put this right and we know the standards here, we have to match them every day.

"We've had two big setbacks, but we'll fight back. The dressing room is strong, the staff are strong and this manager is strong."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/varane-lindelof-man-utd-fulham-ten-hag-b1118020.html

Manchester United get team news boost vs Fulham as Erik ten Hag gives update
Man Utd could welcome back a key player but a teammate could be absent through illness for the trip to Fulham.

Raphael Varane will travel with the Manchester United squad to Fulham but Victor Lindelof is a doubt.

Varane missed the midweek League Cup defeat to Newcastle United through illness but he is fit again and is set to start at Craven Cottage.

Lindelof, who has started in 10 of United's last 12 games, could miss the game as he is unwell.

"Varane is ready to play," United manager Erik ten Hag said. "So he will be travelling with the squad. Just Victor Lindelof [is a doubt]. Some illness, we have to see if he's ready tomorrow."

Casemiro is out for several weeks with a hamstring injury and United will still be without defenders Luke Shaw, Lisandro Martinez and Tyrell Malacia.

United have won five and lost five of their 10 Premier League games and were humbled 3-0 in their last two games at Old Trafford by Manchester City and Newcastle.

With speculation mounting over Ten Hag's position and the November international break looming, Ten Hag is under immense pressure to turn United's season around.

When asked if Fulham was a must-win game, he replied: "I never think in such scenarios I think in we have to win every game, we have to put effort in and I'm sure the players are ready to put that plan in.

"I think the players are hard to beat and in this moment, obviously you have two defeats, we didn't show it. I'm convinced long-term the players will be hard to beat and they know how to do it."



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-united-team-news-fulham-28039595

Fulham vs Manchester United Preview: Probable Lineups, Prediction, Tactics, Team News & Key Stats
Manchester United will be desperate for all three points when they take on Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

The 2023/24 Premier League season will resume this weekend with Gameweek 10. The latest round of fixtures will get underway at Craven Cottage, where Fulham will host Manchester United, with both teams eager to embark on a winning run.

Fulham had been bound to struggle in the 2023/24 season after Aleksandar Mitrovic's departure. The Serbian striker has left a gaping hole in the first-team squad at Craven Cottage, with the Cottagers managing only nine strikes in ten Premier League games thus far. The poor start has left them teetering at 14th on the table. But Marco Silva's men head into the game after progressing in the EFL Cup by clinching a 3-1 win over Ipswich Town.

Manchester United have also endured a disappointing 2023/24 campaign thus far. The Red Devils have lost more games (8) than they have won (7) in 15 outings across all competitions. The latest defeat came in the EFL Cup, with Newcastle United handing them a 3-0 loss, their second successive loss by that exact scoreline at Old Trafford. So, the pressure is mounting on Erik ten Hag, who will cost a pretty penny if Manchester United sack him.

Fulham scored exactly once in the three games between them and Manchester United last season. The two Premier League clashes ended 2-1 in favour of the Red Devils, who also won 3-1 in the FA Cup quarter-finals. The Hard Tackle takes a closer look at the encounter ahead of the latest meeting between the two sides.

Team News & Tactics
Fulham
Marco Silva has seen his squad's fitness issues reduce this week, receiving two positive updates on the team news front. Against Manchester United on Saturday, the Fulham manager will be bereft of the services of two first-team players.

Kenny Tete (knock) and Adama Traore (thigh) have stepped up their rehabilitation programs and face late fitness tests to determine their availability. But Tosin Adarabioyo (groin) and Issa Diop (foot) remain on the sidelines.

Diop's absence means Calvin Bassey gets a long run in the starting eleven. The summer signing will form the central defensive partnership alongside Tim Ream, with Timothy Castagne and Antonee Robinson being the two full-backs. Meanwhile, there is no looking past Bernd Leno in the goal, with Fulham lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him.

As for the midfield unit, Harrison Reed and Joao Palhinha will pair up in the double pivot. The duo will look to keep things tight in the middle of the park and frustrate Bruno Fernandes. Meanwhile, Andreas Pereira will reprise his usual no. 10 role, with Willian and Alex Iwobi being the two wide attackers. Finally, Rodrigo Muniz should spearhead the Fulham attack against Manchester United.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Leno; Castagne, Ream, Bassey, Robinson; Reed, Palhinha; Willian, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz


Manchester United
Unlike his counterpart in the Fulham dugout, Erik ten Hag has a few pressing issues hampering his preparations ahead of the trip to Craven Cottage. The Manchester United manager will be without six first-team players on Saturday.

Jadon Sancho remains on the sidelines due to his indefinite exile after his bust-up with Erik ten Hag. But recent reports have suggested that the Dutchman's handling of the issue has rubbed the Manchester United squad the wrong way.

Casemiro is the latest absentee, with the Brazilian international set to miss several weeks of action. Luke Shaw (muscle), Tyrell Malacia (knee), Lisandro Martinez (foot), and Amad Diallo (knee) remain in the treatment room and are no closer to returning. Meanwhile, recent reports have claimed that Raphael Varane is not a happy camper at Manchester United.

So, the Frenchman might miss out again, with Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans forming the central defensive partnership. But Sergio Reguilon and Aaron Wan-Bissaka should reinforce the full-back spots after the wide areas faced a chastening against Manchester City. The quartet will protect Andre Onana.

As for the midfield unit, ten Hag's need to carefully consider his decision. The department has lacked conviction thus far. But the Dutchman might keep faith in Scott Mctominay and Sofyan Amrabat, even though the latter has not produced many impressive performances.

Bruno Fernandes has been under fire for his recent antics. But the Manchester United captain will retain his spot and reprise the no. 10 role, with Antony and Marcus Rashford being the two wide attackers. Finally, Rasmus Hojlund will lead the line for the away side on Saturday.

Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Evans, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Hojlund


Key Stats

    Since winning back-to-back Premier League games against Manchester United in March and December 2009, Fulham are now winless in their last 15 against them. The Red Devils have won their last six Premier League away games against Fulham. Only at West Bromwich Albion (eight times between 1984 and 2011) have they won more consecutively at an opponent.
    Fulham have not scored a first-half goal in a league match at Craven Cottage thus far this campaign. Unsurprisingly, their first-half record is the worst in the division, with Manchester United 18th.
    Fulham rank joint sixth for the fewest shots faced this season in the Premier League (125) but sixth for the most shots on target faced.
    Manchester United have lost five of their 10 Premier League games this season and have a goal difference of -5. It is their most defeats after ten outings of a top-flight season since 1986/87, while it is their lowest goal difference at this stage since 1972/73.
    Manchester United have won just one of their last 11 league games in London, although that was at Craven Cottage last November.

Player to Watch
Bruno Fernandes
Very few would have objected to Bruno Fernandes inheriting the Manchester United captaincy from Harry Maguire ahead of the 2023/24 season. But the Portuguese international tends to show his worst side when things are going awry for his team.

That was the case last weekend after Manchester City beat Manchester United 3-0, with Roy Keane telling Erik ten Hag to strip the 29-year-old of the captain's armband. But Fernandes remains in the position and will be eager to prove his naysayers wrong while inspiring a comeback run from his team. It all starts on Saturday.

Prediction
Fulham 1-2 Manchester United
Fulham and Manchester United have struggled to consistently score goals this season. At the same time, their defensive units have been vulnerable in the first ten rounds of fixture. So, while Saturday's game might not be a goal-fest, both teams should find the back of the net.

The tie has all the makings of becoming a smash-and-grab affair. The final result will thus hinge on individual quality, which might swing the pendulum in Manchester United's favour. The Hard Tackle predicts the Red Devils to struggle again but somehow manage a comeback 2-1 victory at Craven Cottage.



https://thehardtackle.com/round-up/2023/11/03/fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-probable-lineups-prediction-tactics-team-news-key-stats-3/

Fulham fans set to protest over ticket prices
Fans of Premier League football club Fulham are set to protest ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday's) game against Manchester United over the price of tickets.

The worry is centred around pricing loyal fans out of the game, with the protest organised by the Fulham Supporters' Trust, supported by women's fan group the Fulham Lillies. The action has also been endorsed by supporters' websites and podcasts, with the aim of drawing attention to the cost of tickets to watch football at Craven Cottage.

According to the Football Supporters' Association (FSA), general admission adult tickets range from £67 (€77/$83) to £160. The FSA also noted that season tickets have typically increased by 18% compared to last year, with Fulham now boasting the most expensive non-corporate season ticket in the Premier League at £3,000.

The Fulham Supporters' Trust said in a statement: "The problem is a completely misguided ticket pricing policy that fundamentally misunderstands what it means to be a fan.

"It's a policy which, piece by piece, is alienating a large part of our core fan base to the extent that increasing numbers just can't afford to come to a game or bring their friends and family to help create that next generation."

The Manchester United Supporters' Trust has also pledged to support Fulham fans in their endeavour.

Additionally, the Fulham Supporters' Trust has written to the Lucy Frazer, the UK's Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport and shadow secretary Thangam Debbonaire, over ticket pricing.



https://www.theticketingbusiness.com/2023/11/03/fulham-fans-set-to-protest-over-ticket-prices/

Fulham handed double injury boost for Manchester United clash
Cottagers could spring a surprise with Saturday's opponents in crisis

Marco Silva says Adama Traore and Tosin Adarabioyo could return in time to be named in the squad for the visit of Manchester United on Saturday.

Traore and Adarabioyo have been sidelined for extended periods due to injury issues. Fulham also have Kenny Tete out due to a groin problem, and he is nearing a return as his recovery enters its final stages.

United beat Fulham three times last season — twice in the Premier League and once in the FA Cup — and the West London club will hope to avenge those defeats at Craven Cottage on Saturday.

"Last steps for the recovery for Kenny Tete plus Tosin [Adarabioyo] and Adama [Traore] are already working with the team", Silva said. "I'm going to take a decision if one or two of them will be ready to be involved one the squad list. Issa Diop is going to take more time."

Diop injured his foot in the win over Sheffield United on October 7, and has not featured since.

Rodrigo Muniz scored his first goal in over a year in the Carabao Cup win over Ipswich Town on Wednesday, and is pushing for a start ahead of strikers Carlos Vinicius and Raul Jimenez, neither of whom have scored from Premier League starts this season.

"A selection headache? 100 per cent sure", Silva said about Muniz. "Not just after Wednesday, but the impact he made against Brighton in that second half. What we are analysing in training every single day he is doing very well.

"I'm going to decide what is going to be the best striker from the game regarding the plan. Right now we have three. I have to say and to be fair with them, the competition has been hard. It's up to them to do their maximum and up to me to decide."

Summer signing Raul Jimenez has not scored since March 2022, and Silva admitted his goal drought is down to a lack of "mental confidence."

Fulham host on Saturday a Manchester United team currently eighth in the Premier League and who come into the match on the back of 3-0 defeats to rivals Manchester City in the league and a defeat of the same score-line at the hands of much-changed Newcastle United in a midweek Carabao Cup tie.

"We know their form, but they are Man United", Silva asserted. "If you think any situation is going to be easy, that's going to be the first mistake. In the three [games against them last season] we were the better team on the pitch, but we lost the three. If you ask me would I like us to perform in the same way, I would love it. But we would like to write a different story this season."

Pressure is mounting on United head coach Erik ten Hag to deliver tangible rewards with the Red Devils, and Silva lamented the lack of time managers are afforded these days before clubs tend to change tack.

"When you are in a bigger club, the pressure is bigger. He knows how to handle the situation. Time is important for all managers, not just in big clubs.

"They like time to build, to create his own story, the model, to deliver something that recognises how he's managed to be there. But we all know that the results speak louder."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-team-news-man-utd-premier-league-2023-b1118061.html

Fulham, West Ham United rival Tottenham in Lloyd Kelly pursuit
Fulham and West Ham United are ready to battle it out with Tottenham Hotspur for the services of 25-year-old Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly.

According to a report by 90min, Tottenham Hotspur are looking to bolster their defence in the winter transfer window and have their eyes set on Lloyd Kelly. Fulham and West Ham United are also interested in him. Spurs wanted to sign him in the summer, but they failed to land him at the club.

However, they are looking to return with an offer for the 25-year-old in January. But, this time around, they will face a lot of competition for the Bournemouth defender's signatures. West Ham United and Fulham are two English clubs keen on having the former England youth international in their ranks. He is also a target for AC Milan and other European bigwigs.

Kelly came through the ranks at Bristol City and made it to their first team in the summer of 2017. After two impressive seasons at the club, Bournemouth managed to acquire his services in the summer of 2019.

The 25-year-old has gone from strength to strength since joining the Cherries. He has featured in a total of 123 matches and has also contributed towards nine goals. Last season, he struggled with injuries and could only feature in 24 matches. Despite missing out on quite a few matches because of injuries, he still managed to attract a lot of attention.

With his contract expiring in the summer of 2024, Spurs tried to sign him in the summer. They submitted an offer worth £20 million for Kelly, who had entered the final year of his contract with Bournemouth. However, the Cherries rejected it as they wanted to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

Ange Postecoglou wanted Kelly in his ranks. Spurs made a move for the former England youth international on the specific instructions of their manager. They might have failed back then but are still keen on having him in their ranks.

Spurs have been doing wonders in the ongoing season. They are currently top of the Premier League but do not have the much-needed depth to sustain themselves. As a result, they are keen on signing players this winter. Their priority is to bolster their backline, and Kelly is someone who can help them. He is versatile and can play in the heart of the defence as well as a full-back.

But, Spurs are not alone in the race. They will face competition from Fulham as well as West Ham United. Both the Premier League clubs are looking for defensive reinforcement. Their managers are not happy with the team's defensive performances and want to have another option in their ranks.

Kelly has a lot of experience of playing in the English top flight, and his recent performances suggest he could help their cause. They can offer the 25-year-old a much bigger role than the one he might have at Spurs. As a result, it will be interesting to see who wins the race for his signatures.



https://thehardtackle.com/transfer-news/2023/11/03/fulham-west-ham-united-rival-tottenham-in-lloyd-kelly-pursuit/

Marco's Man Utd Preview
Marco Silva previews the lunchtime encounter with Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Saturday.




https://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2023/november/03/marco-s-man-utd-preview/

Female referee to create Premier League history as Rebecca Welch is selected for Manchester United's clash at Fulham
Rebecca Welch will make history this weekend by becoming the first female fourth official to be involved in a Premier League match.

The 39-year-old has been selected for Manchester United's Saturday lunchtime clash at Fulham – live on talkSPORT.

Welch became the first woman to referee an EFL match when she took charge of a League Two clash between Harrogate and Port Vale in April 2021.

Wendy Toms became the first woman to be appointed as a top-flight assistant referee in 1997 before Sian Massey-Ellis and Natalie Aspinall were handed their opportunities more recently.

Former player Welch, who qualified as an official through the Durham County FA, ventured into officiating at the age of 27 after being encouraged to do so by a friend.

She went on to referee in university football and in Sunday league games in Sunderland before going on to combine the role with an administrative job with the NHS.

Welch is a regular in the Women's Super League and was a part of the officiating team at this summer's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She became the first woman to referee a men's Championship match earlier this year when she took charge of Birmingham's game with Preston in January.

Welch also officiated Birmingham's FA Cup clash against Plymouth in the same month.

In doing so, she became the first female to referee in a third round tie.

The Professional Game Match Officials Limited group (PGMOL) led by chief refereeing officer Howard Webb has been determined to improve diversity in the professional game.

In January, Bhupinder Singh Gill became the the first Sikh-Punjabi to officiate in the Premier League, when selected as assistant referee for Southampton vs Nottingham Forest.



https://talksport.com/football/1628086/

Fulham duo could return against Man United
Fulham duo Kenny Tete and Adama Trarore could return to the squad for Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

Full-back Tete and winger Trarore have been sidelined for over a month due to groin and hamstring problems respectively.

However, Whites boss Marco Silva said the duo could be included in his squad for the visit of a struggling United side who have lost successive matches 3-0.

"It is the last steps to recovery for Kenny and Adama and I will take a decision if they will be in the squad," Silva said.

However, Issa Diop will take more time to recover from a foot injury with Calvin Bassey set to keep his place in the heart of the Fulham defence."

Despite United's poor form, which has led to speculation Erik Ten Hag could be set to lose his job at Old Trafford, Silva insists his side face a tough test but one they can win having gone close to beating United three times last season.

"Always you prepare with respect, and we have to look at ourselves, how we prepare will be the same as we did against Brighton prepare the same the only difference is that is will be a short preparation as we had a Carabao Cup game at Ipswich on Wednesday," Silva said.

"We know they are a quality side, but we played them three times last season and were the better team in performance.

"But we lost all three but we can take a lot from that."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/fulham-duo-could-return-against-man-united

'Arrogant': Tim Ream says he wasn't a huge fan of 26-year-old Fulham player when he first signed
It's so important for any centre-back pairing to have a good understanding.

Playing in that position with a partners means you have to completely trust and believe in one another's abilities and get along cohesively.

Fulham have been lucky in recent years as Tim Ream has seemingly gelled with every centre-back that has come into the club, but there is one defender who Ream didn't quite click with at first.

Speaking on The American Dream Podcast, Ream has shared that his initial impressions of Tosin Adarabioyo weren't wholly positive.

Indeed, Ream says that he thought Tosin was quite arrogant when he came to the club, but after getting to know him, he's grown to appreciate the 26-year-old.

Ream wasn't sure about Tosin
The defender gave his verdict on his teammate.

"He's really laid back actually. A very confident individual. Actually when he first came in I wasn't appreciative of him because I thought he was an arrogant little kid, which, to be fair, he was and I tell him as much. Now that I know him though, he's a great guy, someone I've really enjoyed playing with," Ream said.

Difficult
Ream didn't get off to the best of starts with Tosin, but, to be fair, it was probably very difficult for them to gel.

Don't forget, Tosin signed in the summer of 2020, we were slap bang in the middle of lockdown, and the team couldn't socialise in the way they usually do.

Tosin would've found it very difficult coming into that environment, and we can understand why he may have come off as a bit brash or stand-offish.

Luckily, the defender has grown as a person since joining Fulham, and it now sounds as though he's one of the most important members of the squad and the social group.



https://www.fulham.news/2023/11/03/arrogant-tim-ream-says-he-wasnt-a-huge-fan-of-26-year-old-fulham-player-when-he-first-signed/

How Fulham can exploit key Manchester United weakness to deepen Erik ten Hag crisis
Marco Silva's side should be licking their lips with a chance to feast on a rudderless Red Devils team lurching from one disaster to the next

Last year, Fulham vs Manchester United was the final Premier League match before the season was halted for the World Cup in Qatar.

Fulham dominated much of the game at Craven Cottage last November but lost 2-1 after a 93rd-minute winner from Alejandro Garnacho.

A lot has changed since, with Manchester United now in much worse shape than they were a year ago. Here is how Fulham can twist the knife to compound the misery for Erik ten Hag.

United's porous midfield
Despite bringing in two new faces in the summer, United's engine room is somehow worse. While Casemiro's form has decayed, he remains United's best midfielder yet will miss Saturday through injury.

Sofyan Amrabat is yet to appreciate the importance of positional discipline in English football, while Mason Mount lacks minutes.

Fulham fans will trust Joao Palhinha and whichever of Harrison Reed or Sasa Lukic starts alongside him to show United what an effective midfield looks like.

Unbalanced at right-back
Few would argue that Diogo Dalot is anything other than a very mobile attacking full-back, but defensively he is more suspect.

Plenty could see the move coming for Newcastle's first goal in Wednesday's Carabao Cup clash at Old Trafford before it unravelled.

United's issue was that he was not one of them. It was not the first time the Portugal international had let his man go free, and Marco Silva will hope it is not the last. Willian will be licking his lips.

Defensive errors
Passing around the back is a staple of the modern game. Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire and Andre Onana are all very capable at distribution, yet all three have made significant errors in that department this season.

And Maguire and Lindelof in particular have been known to lunge forward to try to win the ball, only for opponents to skip past them and eat up the space they've just vacated. Fulham can capitalise.

Aerial weakness up front
Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have shown glimpses of stardom this season, and Fulham are the sort of attack-minded team who will leave pockets for the Englishman and Dane to exploit.

Yet while Hojlund and, especially, Rashford both possess strong heading ability in an attacking sense, they are less adept at flick-ons and winning aerial duels. Tim Ream and Calvin Bassey will likely dominate in the air.



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-vs-man-utd-ten-hag-crisis-b1118025.html

Report: Fulham willing to make club-record offer to sign Spurs-linked striker
According to W Deportes, Fulham are now ready to make a huge bid to sign rumoured Tottenham target Santiago Gimenez.

Gimenez has been one of the most prolific strikers across Europe since the turn of the year and unsurprisingly, the striker is thought to be attracting interest from several of the continent's big hitters after his impressive start to the season.

Multiple outlets over the last month have credited Tottenham with an interest in the Feyenoord star (90 min) and Fabrizio Romano confirmed last week that the Lilywhites have indeed been watching the striker for quite a while (YouTube channel).

Spurs are expected to face quite a bit of competition for Gimenez, who is also thought to be on the radars of Real Madrid (The Daily Mirror) and Barcelona (Sport).

Fulham now keen on Spurs-linked Gimenez
If WDeportes' latest update is to be believed, Tottenham might also have to battle London rivals Fulham for the Mexican international.

The outlet explains that the Cottagers are prioritising signing a number nine to replace Aleksandr Mitrovic following the Serbian's switch to Al-Hilal in the summer.

Marco Silva's men have allegedly identified Gimenez as a top target and are thought to be willing to launch a club-record bid of €50m (£43m) for the striker.

Spurs Web Opinion
There is no doubt that Tottenham would be a much more attractive destination for Gimenez than Fulham.

However, it remains to be seen whether the North London club would invest upwards of £40m on a number nine in January when reinforcements at centre-back, midfield and wide areas are bigger priorities.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-fulham-willing-to-make-club-record-offer-to-sign-spurs-linked-striker/

Fulham boss admits he's suffering 'selection headache' ahead of Manchester United visit
Fulham boss Marco Silva is weighing up his options going forward ahead of the Premier League clash against a low-in-confidence Man United side

Fulham manager Marco Silva is still weighing up whether to start Raul Jimenez or Carlos Vinicius against Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime.

While the Reds' options in attack are limited, Silva has a similar problem with Jimenez and Vinicius struggling for goals. Rodrigo Muniz scored in midweek as Fulham knocked former United coach Kieran McKenna's Ipswich Town out of the Carabao Cup putting him in contention to retain a place up front.

Silva's preferred formation is a 4-2-3-1 meaning the competition for a place up front is fierce. But, with none of his strikers performing brilliantly, the 46-year-old appreciates this is an issue ahead of the visit of United.

He told the media: "I have a selection headache, 100 per cent. I clearly have a headache and I am going to decide who is the best striker for the game based on the plan and the opposition.

"I have to say the competition is hard and it's up to them to do their maximum. With him (Jimenez) and Vinicius, it's a matter of confidence.

"When the first (goal) comes then more can and we can all understand he has had this (goal drought), which is heavy on his back and our job is to give him the confidence and keep working with him. Goals are important for the striker, he needs to score and it's going to happen."

As for the Reds, only Marcus Rashford has managed to score in the Premier League this season and Erik ten Hag has had to rely on goals from other areas of the pitch. Rasmus Hojlund has three to his name but those have only come in the Champions League.

However, the Dane is more than likely to lead the line in the capital after Anthony Martial's poor display against Newcastle in midweek.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fulham-manchester-united-team-news-28041731

Exclusive: 'The mood was really down' - Marco Silva out to create Fulham 'legacy' after difficult start at club
Marco Silva is into his third season as Fulham manager, and after recently signing a contract extension to 2026, the topic of "legacy" is on the Portuguese's mind. Sitting down with TNT Sports, Silva looked back at the situation the club was in when he took over - recently relegated and with "everybody really down" - whilst also revealing his ambitions for the future at Craven Cottage.

Fulham boss Marco Silva, in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, says he is out to create a "legacy" with the club as he seeks to build on last season's top-half Premier League finish.
The Cottagers, who host Erik ten Hag's Manchester United on Saturday, November 4 in the early kick-off live on TNT Sports, have made what Silva deems a "solid" start to the campaign, sitting 14th after registering three wins from their 10 games so far.

The West London side - who spent 13 straight seasons in the top flight between 2001 and 2014 - have been less of a bona fide Premier League outfit in recent times, but the impressive stewardship of Silva saw them pick up 52 points last term for their 10th-placed finish - a haul the club have only ever bettered once in the Premier League, in 2008/09 with 53 points.

That atmosphere of positivity was, however, a far cry from what Silva found when he took over in July of 2021.
"When I arrived the mood was really down," he told TNT Sports.
"The club was in a really difficult moment, coming from a season when - all season - they just won five games [in the league]. When you are working so hard for 12 months, and you just are able to win five games you can understand how it's tough.
"Everybody was really down: fans, players, all the staff.

"Of course the first impact was important, the way we came, the way we lifted [people]. [It was a] great, amazing first season, we got the title for our fans, and of course we knew that was just the first one [season], the second one was going to be even tougher."
Silva added the likes of Joao Palhinha, Bernd Leno, Willian and Andreas Pereira to his squad in the summer of 2022, and he is clear in how important that was in their subsequent Premier League return.
"We took some important decisions about the squad, the environment around the players as well, to make the club as professional as you can in all the aspects and details," he said.
"I think we did it brilliantly, because we didn't spend a big amount of money last season and we signed very, very good players and some made a huge impact in our club.
"One of the things that for me was really important - we kept the same way, our idea, our model, we didn't change many things just because we did a big step to the Premier League.
"We added some individual quality because we needed some Premier League maturity as well, but we kept the idea. And of course, the belief and ambition to play at this level.
"And we did it brilliantly, the way we finished in the top half of the table. I think we did big steps forward, probably surprised many people.

     "I laughed a little bit when at the beginning of the season people reminded me of the 'yo-yo club' [reputation]. We stopped that situation.

"But I knew as well that after a brilliant season in the Premier League, the second is probably going to be even worse.
"We have to keep the same focus, the same ambition, and keep improving the club on and off the pitch."

Silva recently signed a new contract with Fulham that will take him out to 2026 at Craven Cottage.
And looking ahead, the 46-year-old opened up on what he hopes success will look like at the club under his guidance.
"When you are in a club a long time - and this is going to be my third season - you can get titles for the club," Silva said. "We got an important one in the first season.

"You can leave a legacy inside the club as well. A legacy can come from titles, positions in the table, [it] can be the way to play football, the way to develop the club and the players in all aspects.
"It's what I would like to leave one day when I leave the club, everyone is going to remember ourselves and our work.
"I would like to leave a legacy. With titles it's going to be much better, it's going to be perfect, but you know our reality, you know that we are Fulham, for us to fight for titles you have two chances, they are going to be the cups, you have to be realistic.
"And even the cups, you know that you have probably a big number of clubs more favourite than us to get that title.
"But to know that [we go] game-by-game and we have to look for it with full ambition, I think we have been doing that.
"Legacy for me is really important in many, many aspects - the way to play, the way to develop players and the club, and off the pitch as well, and it's everything we are doing in this football club."

HOW TO WATCH FULHAM V MANCHESTER UNITED
TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.
Fulham v Manchester United will be live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate with coverage from 11:00 UK time on Saturday, November 4.
You can subscribe to TNT Sports through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.



https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/premier-league/2023-2024/exclusive-the-mood-was-really-down-marco-silva-out-to-create-fulham-legacy-after-difficult-start-at-_sto9868379/story.shtml

Tactical Preview: Fulham vs Manchester United – Under Fire Forwards Key to an Away Win
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who have two wins and two defeats from their four home Premier League fixtures this season. It is a must-win for United who have suffered back-to-back 3-0 home defeats and the pressure is mounting on manager Erik ten Hag. Last Word on Football takes a look at where the game might be decided from a tactical perspective and offers a prediction for Fulham vs Manchester United in the lunchtime kick-off.

Fulham vs Manchester United – Underwhelming Attacking Duo Key to Away Win
Hojlund Looking to Break Premier League Hoodoo
It is anticipated that the first-choice forward players will be back in the team this weekend after being rested in the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle. Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund have just one Premier League goal between them this campaign and are under intense scrutiny from the fans to improve their output to help Manchester United out of this current slump.

Fulham have not kept a clean sheet in six outings and will be without Issa Diop this weekend. They are not as robust a unit at the back as Marco Silva would like them to be and can be prone to lapses in concentration defensively, as evidenced by their conceding three goals from penalties after just 11 games.

The home side averages over 60% possession at home in league outings and may expect to see much of the ball, leaving the away side with ample opportunities to hit on the break and that is where the underperforming duo may shine.

Rashford has not hit the heights of last season but will fancy his chances up against Timothy Castagne and whoever replaces Diop at right-centre back while Hojlund's work rate could terrorise the centre-backs. It can be expected that his runs in behind will be a nightmare for captain Tim Ream to deal with throughout the entire 90 minutes.

Fulham's Palhinha to Edge Portuguese Midfield Battle
There are many weaknesses in this Manchester United side, but the absence of Casemiro could be a major issue here. Fulham have an industrial make-up of their midfield, headed by the impressive Joao Palhinha. The Portuguese midfielder is in excellent form and scored in the 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend. He will be tasked with keeping the opponents' key creative spark, Bruno Fernandes, quiet throughout the ninety minutes.

Assuming he is successful in keeping his countryman from dictating the game in the middle, Casemiro's attacking threat from deep positions will be missed due to injury, as he is a key component of Ten Hag's side opening up attacking avenues in games where the forwards are struggling. Scott McTominay has impressed in this role at times but he may have his hands full trying to stop the home side from dominating the ball alongside Sofyan Amrabat sitting in midfield.

It is going to take an enormous level of work-rate to keep this Fulham side at bay, and this is not an attribute that is bestowed upon the majority in this group of Manchester United players. The manager will be hoping he can motivate his players to deliver a performance, as his job could well depend on it.

Fulham vs Manchester United Prediction
It is difficult to predict this one as there is little evidence to suggest that the Red Devils are anywhere close to turning a corner under Ten Hag. The problems seem to be mounting on and off the pitch and it is hard to see where a performance is going to come from with some of the starting players woefully out of form.

Fulham have been solid despite lacking a forward player to score goals since the departure of Aleksander Mitrovic. They progressed to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup in midweek and will be confident of picking up a result here.

Manchester United have won the last six games at Craven Cottage but may have to settle for a draw here. Their confidence is on the floor at the moment so avoiding defeat will be the objective here.



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2023/11/03/manchetser-united-tactical-preview-fulham/

Fulham manager to make decision on whether Tosin will be involved against Manchester United
Fulham boss Marco Silva is set to make a decision on whether to field Tosin Adarabioyo against Manchester United in game week 11 of the Premier League which is set to be played at Craven Cottage tomorrow.

The Anglo-Nigerian defender has made just one appearance in the Premier League this season due to injury and is in contention to be named in the matchday squad to face the Red Devils.

The Cottagers have been without a right-sided centre-back for the past two weeks with Tosin and Issa Diop, the two natural fits for the position recovering from injury.

Silva has revealed that he would have to make a late decision on whether to play the Manchester City Academy product against Erik ten Hag's side

In quotes relayed by the Cottagers' official Twitter handle, the Portuguese tactician said: "Kenny Tete, Tosin and Adama (Traoré) are in the last steps of their recovery. I'm going to make a decision on whether they will be involved in the squad".

Only three points separate Fulham and Manchester United heading into the game, with the Cottagers garnering 12 points while the Red Devils have 15 after ten rounds of games.

Nigeria internationals Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi should be available to face Manchester United.

Abdulkareem Abdulhamid




https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=49336

Silva backs Fulham fans over ticket protests
Marco Silva has backed Fulham fans protesting over the price of tickets for Saturday's lunchtime clash with Manchester United at Craven Cottage.

Hundreds of fans are set to meet at the tea hut in Bishops Park and will march to the ground after the club announced they would be charging £160 for tickets in the new Riverside Stand, £106 to sit in the Johnny Haynes Stand and £77 for Hammersmith Stand – the most expensive in the Premier League.

Unlike most clubs, Fulham do not categorise ticket prices instead opting to cost matches on an individual basis and Silva said he understands the anger of the fans.

"It is not just for a game like this but we have to be sure that Fulham fans can afford all the matches," Silva said.

"To be honest for a Fulham fan this match should be the same and value should be the same as the last one against Sheffield United or the next one we are going to play against Wolves.

"For me the value of the game is the same, three points there for us to fight for and the fans should be there to get behind the team.

"I have all the empathy with the fans in this situation but it is a commercial decision from the club and I want everyone to be focused on the game.

"We are here talking about Fulham vs Man United, and I've been asked three or four times about the ticket prices.

"This is a distraction, clearly. I would love to have everybody happy and just focusing on Fulham v Man United, and let's go and support."



https://www.westlondonsport.com/fulham/silva-backs-fulham-fans-over-ticket-protests-1030pm

Marco Silva addresses Fulham ticket prices ahead of fan march
March organised has been planned ahead of kick-off against Manchester United

Marco Silva has called the disputes over ticket prices at Fulham "a distraction" from on-field matters, but insisted fans should be able to "afford all the matches".

An organised march has been planned ahead of kick-off when Fulham welcome Manchester United to Craven Cottage in the early kick-off on Saturday, while sections of the support will hold up yellow cards in the 18th minute which say: 'Please don't price us out.'

It comes after Fulham last summer announced an 18 per cent ticket price hike, and some tickets for the visit of United cost supporters £160, which is a record price in Premier League history.

"It's a commercial decision from the club — it's not my decision", Silva said on Friday. "What I would like to see is everybody happy. I have empathy with the fans of course. I understand their point of view and of course I can show empathy for them.

"But would I would ask from them to make [Craven] Cottage bouncing from the first minute. Fantastic support last two away games, [including] what they did in Brighton. We have to be sure Fulham fans can afford all the matches. We want them behind the team."

Silva insisted it is crucial that the fans' disgruntlement over ticket affordability doesn't linger on all season.

"It is really important", he said. "I don't want this to be a distraction. We are here talking about Fulham versus Man United, and I've been asked three or four times about the ticket prices. This is a distraction, clearly.

"What I would like, and what I wish, really, is that from the kick-off, everyone is on the same page. About empathy, of course I have it and I would like to see everybody happy with everything that involves Fulham FC."

Calvin Bassey is expected to line up alongside Tim Ream again on Saturday, with Issa Diop still out with a foot injury. Diop played well in recent fixtures against Brighton and Ipswich, and Silva is confident the summer recruit, who cost £18.5million from Ajax, is putting a tough start to life in England behind him.

"We spent, it is true, a very good amount of money on him. I was really confident that he is going to be a key player for us in the future when I took the decision to buy him. With players who sign for this football club, if I'm on [board with] it, they don't come. Now I am more sure he is going to be important for us and we took the right decision.

"He's a very good player. I'm sure that he is going to improve. He needs to be louder and show more leadership. But I am sure that he took the right decision when he signed for our football club."



https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/fulham-fc-ticket-prices-marco-silva-2023-b1118116.html

Erik ten Hag hits out at Marcus Rashford for birthday party hours after derby defeat - 'It's unacceptable'
Erik ten Hag has had to deal with another "internal matter" at Manchester United after finding out Marcus Rashford went to a birthday party hours after losing 3-0 at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby last weekend. The United boss described the forward's actions as "unacceptable" ahead of a crucial clash with Fulham, live on TNT Sports, but confirmed Rashford had apologised.

Erik ten Hag has said it was "unacceptable" that Marcus Rashford attended a birthday party just hours after Manchester United were soundly beaten 3-0 by their city rivals at Old Trafford last weekend.
A report in the Manchester Evening News stated that after Pep Guardiola's Manchester City side continued their recent derby domination, Rashford, who turned 26 on Tuesday, went to the Chinawhite nightclub with team-mate Tyrell Malacia and a group of close friends and family.

He was not pictured at the event but Ten Hag, whose future as United manager is under scrutiny, told the media he had discussed it with the England international ahead of a crucial Premier League match against Fulham, live on TNT Sports.

"Yes, I am aware of it, I spoke with him about it," Ten Hag said. "It's unacceptable. I told him. He apologised and that's it. For the rest, it's an internal matter."
As well as Ten Hag, Rashford is under pressure to improve after a disappointing start to the campaign. So often United's star man last season, he has contributed just one goal in 14 appearances this campaign.
The forward started on the bench as Newcastle followed in City's footsteps, leaving the Theatre of Dreams with a 3-0 victory and a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals at the expense of the defending champions.

Critics have suggested this group of players do not possess the character to help turn the club's fortunes around after a dismal run of eight defeats in 15, but Ten Hag rubbished that claim in the case of Rashford.
"Your suggestion is not right," the Dutchman added. "He is very motivated to put things right. I know how much effort he is putting in. He is totally with us.
"He makes a mistake but it doesn't say he is not fitting in. I see every day with the training what he is doing, I know.
"So he makes one mistake but also off the pitch what he is doing, how he lives and I am sure he is doing everything right to help the team and to perform and to let us win."
United travel to Fulham on Saturday lunchtime, and Ten Hag presented a defiant figure ahead of the crunch clash at Craven Cottage.

"The players are hard to beat but in this moment, after two defeats, we didn't show it," he said. "I'm convinced in the long term the players will be hard to beat and they know how to do it.
"We have to win and I don't want to find excuses if we don't win. We have to be more pragmatic."



https://www.tntsports.co.uk/football/premier-league/2023-2024/erik-ten-hag-hits-out-at-marcus-rashford-for-birthday-party-hours-after-derby-defeat-it-s-unnaceptab_sto9868844/story.shtml

Five struggling Man Utd stars earn more than whole Fulham team to sum up major problem
Manchester United have been in dire form since the campaign got underway.

Manchester United have endured a dismal start to the season and already face an uphill battle just to break into the top four after losing five of their opening 10 Premier League matches. That's despite the club shelling out prodigious sums of cash to sign a whole host of players in recent years. And their financial profligacy is illustrated perfectly by the fact struggling stars Jadon Sancho, Anthony Martial, Harry Maguire, Donny van de Beek and Antony together earn more than the entire Fulham squad.

United have fallen to eighth in the Premier League table following their poor form and trail fourth-place Liverpool by eight points. And the Red Devils are also faltering in the Champions League after losing to Bayern Munich and Galatasaray. The north west giants are a point adrift of second-place Galatasaray in Group A but face two tricky away trips in their final three group matches.

United's squad has cost hundreds of millions to assemble, with the majority of players earning vast wages. But the money hasn't been put to good use.

According to Sportrac, Sancho and Martial both earn £13million per season, while Antony is handed £10.4m and Maguire is paid £9.8m. Meanwhile, Van de Beek, who has only played two minutes of Premier League football this season, receives an annual package of £6.2m for his services.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1830422/Man-Utd-Fulham-Erik-ten-Hag

£72 Million Forward to Return With Ten Hag's Future on the Line – Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
Manchester United travel to Craven Cottage to face a Fulham side who sit just three points behind the Red Devils. We reveal the latest team news and our predicted lineup for the Red Devils.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
How Ten Hag's Side Lined Up vs Newcastle United in Carabao Cup Defeat

Andre Onana continued his spell as the undisputed number-one goalkeeper this season. The back four in front of him continued to change as Sergio Reguilon replaced Jonny Evans, who returned to fill in at left-back. Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof started as the centre-backs with Diogo Dalot starting at right-back.

Casemiro and Mason Mount started as the central midfielders. The Brazilian international came off injured at half-time and is expected to be out for several weeks. 20-year-old Hannibal Mejbri started in the advanced midfield role.

Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes were rested, with Alejandro Garnacho and Antony lining up in the wide positions with Anthony Martial making his first start since the 3-0 win over Crystal Palace in the previous round of the Carabao Cup.

Manchester United's Tactical Issues Exposed in Back-to-Back Home Defeats
Erik ten Hag made changes for the cup defeat to Newcastle, with the headline decision dropping Rashford, Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund. The attack still looked disjointed, and the heavy 3-0 defeat made it two consecutive games where the Red Devils suffered a loss by the same scoreline after the defeat in the Manchester Derby last weekend.

It may be a comfort to have an away fixture as the side have won their last two Premier League games away from Old Trafford at Sheffield United and Burnley by a single goal. There is a decision to be made in midfield, as Fulham are relatively strong in this area and tend to dominate possession at Craven Cottage.

The manager has chopped and changed his midfield – but may bring Scott McTominay back in after leaving out the Scotland international midweek and the 26-year-old being one of the few to come out of the derby defeat with some credit in the bank after a reasonable performance. Raphael Varane may come back into the defence to add a bit of solidity to a team that has failed to keep a Premier League clean sheet in the last five games.

Manchester United Team News Ahead of Crucial Encounter
Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia continue to be absent for this one, and as mentioned, Casemiro will be out for this one due to injury. Jadon Sancho continues to be absent following his public falling out with the manager.

There was doubt around Victor Lindelof due to illness, but Ten Hag confirmed he is ready to play, along with Varane, who has recently recovered from illness.

Manchester United Predicted Lineup vs Fulham
Onana; Dalot, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; McTominay, Amrabat, Fernandes, Rashford, Antony; Hojlund



https://lastwordonsports.com/football/2023/11/04/manchester-united-predicted-lineup-fulham-2/

Fulham vs Manchester United: Preview, kick-off
In Fulham vs Manchester United, The Red Devils are looking to avoid a third straight defeat in all competitions. They visit Craven Cottage today for a 1:30 p.m. Premier League game.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure amid Zinedine Zidane's name emerging as his possible replacement at the club. United ended their Carabao Cup title defence with Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Newcastle United.

It was the same scoreline that Manchester City emerged victorious in the derby clash at Old Trafford last Sunday.

At Fulham...
On the other hand, Marco Silva's men made progress in the Carabao Cup following a 3-1 win at Ipswich Town. Also, Fulham registered a 1-1 draw with Brighton in their previous league outing.

The hosts' treatment room is still occupied by the likes of Issa Diop, Tosin Adarabioyo, Adama Traore and Kenny Tete.

Rodrigo Muniz might keep his place in the XI having found the net against Ipswich, which means Raul Jimenez may move to the bench.

... at Man Utd
Casemiro looked to have picked up a fresh concern in the Newcastle loss. And the Brazilian may return among the likes of Luke Shaw, Amad Diallo, Tyrell Malacia and Lisandro Martinez in the infirmary. Meanwhile, Jadon Sancho faces time out on internal disciplinary grounds.

Raphael Varane is also a doubt after missing the cup tie on account of an illness, while Aaron Wan-Bissaka came off the bench the last time out following a thigh problem.

Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford should be counted among the sure starters against Fulham. So, Fulham vs Manchester United promises real action. GOAL



https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/11/fulham-vs-manchester-united-preview-kick-off/

Erik ten Hag will anger Alejandro Garnacho if he abandons key Man Utd principle at Fulham
Erik ten Hag risks unsettling more of his Man Utd dressing room if he makes an Alejandro Garnacho decision at Fulham.

Alejandro Garnacho may be left fuming if Erik ten Hag snubs him from his Manchester United starting line-up against Fulham on Saturday afternoon. Question marks loom over Marcus Rashford's status after Ten Hag slammed his post-Manchester derby antics in Friday's press conference.

United travel to Craven Cottage looking to return to winning ways after back-to-back 3-0 defeats to Manchester City and Newcastle United at Old Trafford over the past week.

Last Sunday's thumping at the hands of City left Ten Hag's side eighth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Tottenham Hotspur.

And Rashford - who has scored just one goal this season - ruffled fans' feathers when it emerged that he had been to a Manchester nightclub hours after the derby.

Rashford was celebrating his brother's birthday but received criticism, considering Ten Hag ordered his out-of-sorts squad back in training the following morning.

On Friday, Ten Hag branded the 26-year-old's behaviour 'unacceptable' but confirmed they had dealt with the matter internally.

"I am aware of it. I spoke with him about it. It is unacceptable. I told him, he apologised and that is it. It is an internal matter," Ten Hag explained.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1831431/Man-Utd-news-Erik-ten-Hag-Alejandro-Garnacho-Fulham

Interesting article by Sam Cunningham in today's i newspaper outlining why season ticket holders are no longer valued by the Premier League clubs.

 Fulham vs. Man United Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere
The beleaguered Red Devils head to Craven Cottage looking to reverse run of two defeats in a row.

Under-fire Man United boss Erik ten Hag will be praying his side can get back to winning ways on Saturday as they travel to west London to face Fulham.

Having seen their side stumble to a humiliating 3-0 defeat to local rivals Man City in the English Premier League last weekend, United fans had to endure another loss with the same scoreline in midweek, after the Red Devils were unceremoniously dumped out of the EFL Cup at home to Newcastle United.

A win for hosts Fulham on Saturday would see them pull level on points with United, with the Cottagers coming into this match having secured their place in the EFL Cup quarterfinals after a confidence-boosting midweek win over Ipswich.

Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live wherever you are in the world.

 Fulham vs. Man United: When and where?
Fulham host Manchester United at Craven Cottage on Saturday, Nov. 4. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. GMT (8:30 a.m. ET, 5:30 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 11:30 p.m. AEDT in Australia). 

How to watch the Fulham vs. Man United game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch the game -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Livestream Fulham vs. Man United in the US
Saturday's Fulham-Man United match is on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login, and can be streamed via Sling TV and other more expensive streaming TV services.

Livestream the Fulham vs. Man United game in the UK
Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). The Liverpool-Everton game is exclusive to TNT Sports -- showing on its TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sport Ultimate channels.

Livestream the Fulham vs. Man United game in Canada
If you want to stream Fulham vs. Man United live in Canada, you'll need to subscribe to Fubo. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

Livestream the Fulham vs. Man United game in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League game live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN
    With four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
    If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.
    If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
    All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
    And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.



https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/fulham-vs-man-united-livestream-how-to-watch-english-premier-league-soccer-from-anywhere/

Erik ten Hag says Marcus Rashford going out after Man City defeat 'unacceptable' but striker still available for Fulham
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says it was "unacceptable" of Marcus Rashford to go to a nightclub party after last weekend's embarrassing derby defeat to Manchester City.

The homegrown talent has managed just one goal for the misfiring Red Devils during a poor start to the season on both an individual and collective level.

Rashford has looked a far cry from the player that plundered 30 goals for United last term and his off-field decision-making came into question after last Sunday's 3-0 defeat to City.

Reports emerged the following day that the England international, who turned 26 on Tuesday, had gone to the Chinawhite nightclub for a pre-arranged birthday party hours after the Old Trafford loss.

"Yes, I am aware of it," manager Ten Hag said of Rashford's post-derby night out.

"I spoke with him about it. It's unacceptable, I told him, he apologised and that's it. For the rest it's an internal matter."

Ten Hag repeated it was an "internal matter" when asked if Rashford had been fined for an incident that he says will not impact his availability for Saturday's crunch Premier League trip to Fulham.

The United boss also clarified that his place among the substitutes in Wednesday's 3-0 Carabao Cup exit to Newcastle was due to rotation rather than punishment.

Rashford was dropped to the bench at Wolves last season for timekeeping, but Ten Hag rejected the notion that the academy graduate is not attuned to his demands.

    He has to be as close as possible to the opponents' goal, because there are his qualities

Erik ten Hag on Marcus Rashford

"Your suggestion is not right," he said. "He's fitting in, he's very motivated to put things right.

"I know which effort he is putting in. He's totally with us. So, he makes a mistake, but that doesn't say he's not fitting in. I see him every day in training, what he's doing, I know.

"So, he makes one mistake but also, off the pitch, what he is doing, how he lives, and I'm sure he is doing everything right to help the team to perform and to let us win."

Ten Hag can ill afford any distractions right now but it was notable how much public backing he showed Rashford despite his clear annoyance at his post-derby decision.

"He has to be as close as possible to the opponents' goal, because there are his qualities," he said.

"There he is so important for us and he will contribute so much to our success.

"We have to get him there as a team and he, as an individual, also he has to make his movements to arrive in the right moments, so his timing is right and I'm sure he will be back."

How the Red Devils and their manager could do with Rashford getting back his scoring touch at Fulham on Saturday lunchtime.

The midweek loss to Newcastle was their eighth defeat in 15 matches in all competitions, making this United's worst start to a season since 1962-63.

That run has led to scrutiny and speculation about Ten Hag's position, but the "fighter" will not give up on a job that nobody has able to successfully fill since Sir Alex Ferguson left in 2013.

"It's possible, I'm convinced (United can be successful)," the defiant Dutchman said.

"Sometimes you have difficult periods and when you stick together – and we are together – then we come through these difficult periods."

Asked whether the structure is right for club to be a success, Ten Hag said: "I wouldn't work here if I thought it wasn't right."

All the focus right now is righting the United ship before November's international break, with games against Fulham and Luton bookending the crunch Champions League clash in Copenhagen.

"Always, when the team is not playing well, you think about it, to get it right," Ten Hag added. "I'm not thinking about things away from the team.

"Of course, sometimes I need my relaxation to get energy, but for now it's 24/7. You think about 'how do I get this right?'"



https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/erik-ten-hag-says-marcus-rashford-going-out-after-man-city-defeat-unacceptable-but-striker-still-available-for-fulham/a142036832.html

https://twitter.com/FulhamFC/status/1720761566197375428

https://twitter.com/FulhamSuppTrust/status/1720739918526189842