Saturday Fulham Stuff - 04/11/23...

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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

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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

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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/

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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/

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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

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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

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'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/

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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/

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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