Sunday Fulham Stuff - 19/03/23...

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Manchester United vs Fulham: FA Cup tactical preview

Manchester United must overcome Fulham at Old Trafford this evening as they bid to progress to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Here, The Peoples Person takes a look at how Erik ten Hag can secure victory by exploiting Fulham's own defensive structure.

Fulham typically defend in a 4-4-2 shape, although as seen in their match against Arsenal, that can often shift into a lopsided variant. Bobby Cordova-Reid was tasked with shadowing Oleksandr Zinchencko in that game, while in-form Manor Solomon remained high to threaten the backline.

The problem for Fulham was that, just as Zinchenko shifted into midfield, so too did Leandro Trossard. That double-movement led to Fulham regularly being overloaded in the centre of the pitch, facing a 4v3 every time Arsenal were in possession in that area. It also gave the Gunners a clear advantage immediately after losing possession, as they were able to counterpress in greater number.

At the same time, Arteta's wingers we're afforded plenty of space because of the positioning of Solomon and Cordova-Reid. Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka managed 90 touches between them and completed five dribbles, showing just how easy it was for Arsenal to work them into one-on-one situations.

Given the options available to Erik ten Hag, it is likely that Man United will follow a similar blueprint on Sunday.

The Dutchman has made a point of encouraging his fullbacks to step into the middle of the pitch to support possession sequences, and having Luke Shaw perform this role regularly against Fulham could cause all sorts of problems for the Cottagers.

Jadon Sancho would perhaps be the ideal candidate to perform the 'Trossard role' as a false nine dropping deep to create a central overload, but given Wout Weghorst has started every game since signing, it will possible that the on-loan striker will be given the nod.



Where it gets very exciting from a United point of view is the space those movements will afford Marcus Rashford and Antony (if fit). Upon overloading the middle of the park, Fulham's lopsided response will likely leave the wingers with plenty of room to manoeuvre.

Antonee Robinson and Kenny Tete are hardly the best one-on-one defenders around, and if the central attacker can draw a centre half with him as he drops deep, the space will open up in behind.

It must be noted, however, that Manchester United will have a far more difficult time exploiting Fulham's midfield orientation than Arsenal did. When the Cottagers visit Old Trafford, they will be boosted by the return of Joao Palhinha, who is to Marco Silva what Casemiro is to Ten Hag.

Quick combination play in the middle to avoid the Portugal star dubbed "the tackle machine," will still be a more than viable way of opening up the flanks, but it will be crucial to maintain a good tempo to avoid becoming embroiled in series of midfield skirmishes.



https://thepeoplesperson.com/2023/03/19/manchester-united-vs-fulham-fa-cup-tactical-preview-261434/

[WhiteJC]

Man Utd predicted lineup vs Fulham as Erik ten Hag makes changes with Casemiro out

Erik ten Hag could ring the changes for Manchester United's FA Cup quarter-final tie against Fulham with Casemiro set to serve the first game of his four-match suspension

Manchester United can reach the FA Cup semi-final for the first time in three years when they take on Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

The Red Devils last progressed to the final four of the competition back in 2020 and haven't won the cup since 2016 when they beat Crystal Palace at Wembley. Erik ten Hag will be keen to change that statistic as United go searching for their second trophy of the season after winning the Carabao Cup.

However, Fulham will provide a stern test for Ten Hag's men with the Cottagers having an excellent season of their own. Marco Silva's side currently sit ninth in the Premier League and just three points behind sixth-place Liverpool.

Ten Hag is expected to make a number of changes to his United side from the 1-0 win over Real Betis on Thursday night, with Casemiro also suspended. But how could the Red Devils line-up to face Fulham?

In goal, David de Gea is almost a certainty to start every game between now and the end of the campaign now, unless the Spaniard suffers an injury or is suspended. He is enjoying a rich vein of form in the United side and recorded back-to-back clean sheets last time out for the first time since December.

Meanwhile, it is at the back where Ten Hag is set to make a series of alterations. Diogo Dalot could replace Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right side, with Luke Shaw also coming in for Tyrell Malacia.

Harry Maguire made a rare start against Betis but is expected to move to the bench with Raphael Varane replacing him as he returns from a spell out injured. The only player to keep their place in the back-line would be Lisandro Martinez, who has been a mainstay in the side since his move from Ajax.

Moving into midfield and there will be one enforced change with Casemiro dropping out of the XI as he serves the first game of his four-match domestic suspension. Marcel Sabitzer could slot straight into the side, as he did alongside Fred in the double-pivot during a short spell in February.



Ahead of Sabitzer and Fred is Bruno Fernandes in the no.10 position, with Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho on the wings. Facundo Pellistri started the trip to Betis but he is set to be on the bench for the clash with Fulham.

Wout Weghorst has started every match following his loan arrival from Burnley in January and is expected to keep his place as the lone striker, although he has often dropped into a deeper role. This is to allow Rashford to move up front and it could be a similar pattern against Fulham.

Man Utd predicted XI to face Fulham : De Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Fred, Sabitzer, Fernandes; Rashford, Sancho, Weghorst



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/man-utd-ten-hag-fulham-29495716

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea planning new £2bn stadium as they sound out Fulham over temporary Craven Cottage move with Twickenham & Wembley also being considered

The Blues are considering redeveloping Stamford Bridge in a move which could see the club forced to play away from the ground for four years.

    Stamford Bridge redevelopment planned
    Blues would have to move out
    Could play at Fulham's Craven Cottage

WHAT HAPPENED? The Blues could be to set to bulldoze Stamford Bridge and build a new £2 billion stadium that would hold 60,000 fans, according to the Daily Mail. Owner Todd Boehly has already approached Fulham chief Shahid Khan to informally discuss the possibility of playing at Craven Cottage while the building work takes place. Wembley Stadium and Twickenham are also options for the Blues, with early estimates claiming the team may have to play away from Stamford Bridge for at least four years.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Chelsea's current capacity is 42,000 which is significantly smaller than rivals such as Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Manchester City and Tottenham. Plans to move have been on the agenda for many years, with previous owner Roman Abramovich even gaining planning permission to redevelop the ground in 2017. However, the project never got off the ground and planning permission expired in 2020.

AND WHAT'S MORE: Redeveloping Stamford Bridge will be a costly and difficult project to undertake. The ground's location in west London is close to train and tube lines, a cemetery and an underground river, making it impossible to build out.



https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/chelsea-planning-new-stadium-sound-out-fulham-temporary-craven-cottage-move/blt268e10c05dbbee89

[WhiteJC]

Erik ten Hag sends warning to Manchester United squad ahead of international break

Man United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday in their last fixture before the international break.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has warned his players they need to be solely focused on overcoming Fulham in their FA Cup clash ahead of the upcoming international break.

The Reds welcome their Premier League rivals to Old Trafford for a quarter-final clash on Sunday afternoon, with United looking to remain in the hunt for another trophy this season. Ten Hag's men, who have already won the Carabao Cup this term, have a good opportunity to win three honours this term.

United also secured their spot in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with a 5-1 aggregate victory over Real Betis. They will face Sevilla in the last-eight next month.

Ten Hag's side clashed with Fulham in the last competitive fixture before the World Cup in Qatar, and the cup match on Sunday marks the final game before the March international break. The Reds manager has urged his players to ensure they are still in three competitions when they return to action next month.

Asked about the Premier League win over Marco Silva's side in November, the Dutchman told club media: "It's history, now we have to make it happen for the future as well, and that means all the focus has to be on this game.

"It's a huge game, just before the international break, but we want to stay in three [competitions] and we have to play our best and we have to prepare the team, and the players have to get ready. It's going to be a massive effort but we are ready to do it."

The former Ajax chief also insisted that the FA Cup clash with Fulham "closes" a period in the season, before United enter the business end of the campaign from next month onwards.

He added: "I think with this game we close a period, and then after it it goes to the final stage of the season; therefore this game is so huge and we know it.

"The fans are really excited, on Sunday it's a big game at Old Trafford, they will be behind us I'm sure and we have to give them energy, give them celebrations, and we have to do everything to make that happen."



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ten-hag-united-international-break-26506513

[WhiteJC]

Manchester United's Bruno Fernandes and David de Gea agree on Fulham verdict before FA Cup game

Man United welcome Premier League rivals Fulham to Old Trafford for an FA Cup quarter-final clash on Sunday.

Manchester United goalkeeper David de Gea has insisted that the Reds will need to beat one of the best teams left in the competition if they want to progress in the FA Cup on Sunday.

Erik ten Hag's side welcome Fulham to Old Trafford for their quarter-final clash, with United aiming to secure their place in the next round as they hunt three major trophies this season. The Reds, who won the Carabao Cup last month, can still win the FA Cup and Europa League this term.

While United are favourites to progress to the next round, Fulham have enjoyed an impressive season and currently sit ninth in the Premier League table. Therefore, Spanish shot-stopper De Gea is under no illusions as to the difficulties the Reds' opponents may pose at Old Trafford.

Speaking to club media about the clash with Fulham, the 32-year-old said: "I think it is probably one of the best teams in the draw. Fulham have been doing really well this season."

He added: "At the end it doesn't matter who we'll play against because to get to the final and win a trophy we'll have to beat the best teams in the competition: let's keep going!"

De Gea's thoughts were echoed by Bruno Fernandes, who also insisted that Ten Hag's side will need to "beat the best" in order to reach the FA Cup final this campaign.

"As David said, we have to beat the best to be in the final," the Portugal international said. "Fulham is a really tough team, they're playing really well with a manager that I know really well.

"They have good players, they have been in a good moment with confidence; we played them there [at Craven Cottage] and we knew how tough it was but we have to do our job. We want to beat them and will do everything we can to be in the semi-finals."

The Reds secured the victory when the two sides last met back in November, with Alejandro Garnacho's 93rd-minute winner proving the difference in a 2-1 victory in the top flight.



https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/de-gea-fernandes-united-fulham-26506599

[WhiteJC]

Report: PL club 'confident' manager will stay despite Tottenham interest

GiveMeSport's Dean Jones has revealed that Fulham are confident that Marco Silva will put pen to paper on a new contract despite interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

Silva is one of several Premier League managers who is thought to be on Spurs' wishlist to succeed Antonio Conte, alongside Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Nottingham Forest's Steve Cooper (The Athletic).

90 min reported earlier this week that the Cottagers are attempting to tie the Portuguese coach down to a new deal but the publication added that their efforts had stalled amidst interest from Spurs.

However, Dean Jones and GiveMeSport have now claimed that the West London club remain optimistic that Silva will sign a new contract at Craven Cottage.

The journalist explains that the Fulham hierarchy are currently locked in talks over a new deal with the 45-year-old's entourage and there is hope that an agreement will soon be sorted.

Fulham are said to be aware that Silva is enjoying his time at the club and want to sort out his future so they can push ahead with plans to strengthen the squad ahead of next season.

Spurs Web Opinion
I do not think Silva will be anywhere near the top of Paratici's and Levy's wishlist to replace Conte.

In fact, the Portuguese coach's entourage might even be putting this information out there to strengthen their hand while negotiating a new deal with Fulham.



https://www.spurs-web.com/spurs-news/report-pl-club-confident-manager-will-stay-despite-tottenham-interest/

[WhiteJC]

Chelsea weighing up new £2bn stadium - but face FOUR years away from Stamford Bridge

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has explored the possibilities of playing home games at Craven Cottage - the ground of rivals Fulham - as well as Twickenham while the work is carried out

Chelsea have held talks over playing at Craven Cottage, Twickenham and Wembley as Todd Boehly's ownership group plots an expensive redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.

As part of their £4.25billion takeover of Chelsea last year, Boehly's consortium promised to provide £1.75billion to fund "investments in Stamford Bridge, the academy, the women's team and Kingsmeadow". They are now exploring ways to redevelop Stamford Bridge, which lags behind Chelsea's rivals with a capacity of around 41,000.

The club wants to build a new 60,000-seat stadium on the same site which has been their home since 1905. But that is easier said than done, with a huge number of problems needing to be overcome.

The Stamford Bridge site has the District Line and a Network Rail line running underneath it, while it is penned in by the Fulham Road, social housing and the Brompton Cemetery above ground. Meanwhile, Chelsea Pitch Owners, a group of fans all around the globe, own the freehold to the ground and certain intellectual property rights.

The Daily Mail reports that Chelsea hope to have built a new stadium at Stamford Bridge by 2030 at a projected cost of around £2bn. Boehly has spoken to Fulham owner Shahid Khan about potentially using Craven Cottage while the work is done, as well as the Rugby Football Union to discuss the possibility of using Twickenham.

Mirror Football reported in January that Wembley was being considered as another option, after the national stadium hosted Tottenham during their redevelopment of White Hart Lane.

It is understood that Chelsea would be away from Stamford Bridge for a minimum of four years while building work goes on. The plan is to bulldoze the current stadium and build a new one, possibly with the pitch rotated by 90 degrees and sunken lower to avoid height restrictions.

Bernard Ralph, a real estate planning expert at JMW, told Mirror Football last year that the whole process could take 10 years to complete.

Nothing can be done until Chelsea find out whether they have been successful in buying a 1.2-acre site next to the stadium for £50m. The land currently belongs to Stoll, a housing association which provides housing for military veterans, but a verdict is expected later this month.

The redevelopment of Stamford Bridge is needed to help Chelsea catch up with their Premier League rivals, who all play in bigger grounds. A sales brochure from Chelsea, that was touted to prospective buyers last year, claimed that increasing the stadium's capacity to 62,500 would see match-day revenue rise dramatically from £70m to £200m per year.

Plans to build a new stadium are nothing new for Chelsea. After considering relocating to Shepherd's Bush and to Battersea Power Station, Chelsea managed to overcome the hurdles and get as far as receiving planning permission for a new 60,000-seat stadium in January 2017 before ex-owner Roman Abramovich pulled the plug, due to "unfavourable investment climate" in May 2018.



https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/chelsea-new-stadium-stamford-bridge-29496368

[Ludlow Richard]

Up next: Manchester United (a)
Any joy at Fulham reaching their first FA Cup quarter-final for thirteen years was swiftly snuffed out when Alan Shearer paired the Whites with Manchester United. A trip to Old Trafford might not be as daunting as during the Sir Alex Ferguson years but Fulham have never beaten the Red Devils in the world's oldest Cup competition and, since reaching the last eight, Marco Silva's side have suffered two demoralising derby defeats.

Not that those setbacks should sour a superb first season back at the highest level. Fulham are flying, having attacked the Premier League with relish under Silva's watchful eye, and are on course to match at least their third-highest league finish in the club's history. To be safely clear of an almighty scrap for survival that saw Steve Parish press the panic button with Crystal Palace in twelfth when there are still eleven games left is a remarkable achievement for Fulham, who have bounced between the top two tiers of English football with depressingly dependable monotony in recent years.

Silva certainly remains as characteristically ambitious as ever, asserting during his press conference on Friday that he believed his side were not only capable of winning at Old Trafford but going on and lifting the club's first piece of silverware. The Portuguese head coach has utterly transformed the mood around both Motspur Park and Craven Cottage since succeeding Scott Parker and built on the success of his first season when an immediate return to the top flight was secured in such style. His happiness in the white half of SW6 means he won't be tempted by the smouldering wreck that is Tottenham Hotspur, even if Antonio Conte sounded like he was preparing for his own sacking at St. Mary's yesterday.

Fulham are an entirely different outfit with Joao Palhinha in central midfield and Silva's compatriot returns to the engine room after missing those two defeats by Brentford and Arsenal through suspension. An international break follows this fixture so Silva could easily field his strongest side, even if there is some argument about the composition of his best eleven following the fabulous form of Manor Solomon. Both Willian and Tom Cairney, who has quietly added quality from the bench this term, are fit to feature but the worry will be at the other end of the pitch, where the Whites have shipped six goals in two games with some desperate defending.

Manchester United have bounced back impressively from the shocking seven-goal shellacking at Anfield. Eric ten Haag is expected to make five changes following the Red Devils' progress past Real Betis in the Europa League, but the Dutchman will be eager to 'go for it all' in the words of Facundo Pellistri, who finally made his first senior start for the Reds in Spain on Thursday night. A domestic Cup double is on after ten Haag's side beat Newcastle to win the League Cup at Wembley last month – and United start as strong favourites this afternoon.

Whatever side United field with be formidable even without the bite of Casemiro in the middle of the park and the electricity offered by Alejandro Garnacho, who has already broken Fulham hearts once already this term at Craven Cottage. The hosts could also be missing Anthony Martial and Antony de Santos alongside long-term absentees Donny van de Beek and Christian Eriksen. Could this be a chance for Fulham to spring a surprise? Possibly, but the Whites will still need to produce a performance for the ages.

MY FULHAM XI (4-2-3-1): Rodak; Tete, A. Robinson, Diop, Ream; Palhinha, Reed; Willian, Solomon, Pereira; Mitrovic. Subs: Leno, Cedric Soares, Adarabioyo, Lukic, Cairney, Harris, Decordova-Reid, Wilson, Vinicius.



https://hammyend.com/index.php/2023/03/up-next-manchester-united-a-3/

Actually we have beaten Man U in the FA Cup. In March 1908.........

We went on to lose 6-0 to Newcastle in the semi-finals.

[WhiteJC]

Cristiano Ronaldo has shamed virtually everyone at Man Utd ahead of Fulham showdown
Cristiano Ronaldo has been shining for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia as Manchester United plan to tackle Fulham.

Cristiano Ronaldo has now scored more goals for Al-Nassr in eight matches than any Manchester United player this season barring Marcus Rashford. The Portugal international left Old Trafford back in November following a brutal interview with Piers Morgan. And he's adjusted well to life in Saudi Arabia, netting nine times so far.

Manchester United had managed to keep hold of Ronaldo back in the summer, despite the 38-year-old demanding to leave the club.

But they opted to finally release the Portugal international in November after he'd criticised the club, Erik ten Hag, the Glazers and the facilities at Carrington in his interview with Morgan.

Ronaldo had hoped to stay in Europe yet, despite links to the likes of Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, no offer arrived.

So he then decided to take the money at Al-Nassr, who have made him the best-paid football on the entire planet.

Ronaldo's time in Saudi hasn't been entirely straightforward. There have been some iffy results, as well as some of his usual tantrums when things don't go his way.

He's also found it frustrating being mocked with Lionel Messi chants by opposition fans, too.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1748238/Cristiano-Ronaldo-Manchester-United-Fulham-news-Al-Nassr

[WhiteJC]

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag dealt major blow ahead of Fulham FA Cup clash
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is currently preparing for Sunday's FA Cup showdown with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is set to be without Raphael Varane for today's match with Fulham, it has been claimed. The Red Devils go into the game looking to make the semi-finals of the FA Cup. However, their serial winner is poised to miss out.

Varane has been a key player for United this season, with the France international helping the Red Devils enjoy a successful season under Ten Hag.

However, according to @PlanetFaz, the centre-back hasn't been seen arriving with the rest of the squad.

Varane was given the night off in midweek as United battled their way to a 1-0 win over Real Betis to reach the last eight of the Europa League.

Many felt he was simply being rested, especially with Ten Hag not disclosing an injury at any press conference in the time since.

But Varane's absence against Fulham represents a blow given his immense performances at the back over the course of the campaign so far.



https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1748254/Manchester-United-news-Erik-ten-Hag-Fulham-FA-Cup-Raphael-Varane

[WhiteJC]

Erik ten Hag explains why Newcastle clash is a 'huge' game for Manchester United

Erik ten Hag warns Manchester United players to be focused ahead of the international break

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has warned his players to focus on beating Fulham in the FA Cup before going into the international break.

The manager also talked about how the Fulham game closes a period of the season before the final part that resumes in April after a two-week break.

Having lifted the Carabao Cup this season, United are in the quarter-final of the FA Cup and the Europa League. Ten Hag would be wanting to beat Fulham in the former and stay alive in the remaining two cup competitions in April.

Here's what the boss said (h/t Manchester United website):

    "It's a huge game, just before the international break, but we want to stay in three [competitions] and we have to play our best and we have to prepare the team, and the players have to get ready. It's going to be a massive effort but we are ready to do it.

    "I think with this game we close a period, and then after it it goes to the final stage of the season; therefore this game is so huge and we know it.

    "The fans are really excited, on Sunday it's a big game at Old Trafford, they will be behind us I'm sure and we have to give them energy, give them celebrations, and we have to do everything to make that happen."

It is a huge game because a win would give ten Hag's men a chance to play at Wembley at least one more time this season. It would be special for the fans as well.

It won't be easy against a dangerous Fulham side though, who have done exceptionally well in the league and would be targeting a Wembley trip for themselves too.

We did beat with a late winner from Alejandro Garnacho back in November, but that is a long way away now. Moreover, the absence of Casemiro will be a big miss for a knockout game like this.

Ten Hag has used his squad so well that United haven't missed the absence of key players a lot of times. This game would provide another test of that.

The Red Devils have had an excellent period since the resumption of the season till date. With this period coming to a close ahead of the international break, it would be apt if the team wins this game and continue with that positive feeling for the crucial games coming up in April.



https://weallfollowunited.com/2023/03/19/erik-ten-hag-warns-manchester-united-players-to-be-focused-ahead-of-the-international-break-latest-news/

[WhiteJC]