Game Week 1 Predictions: Fulham to trouble United at Old Trafford again?

Premier League returns: Man United vs. Fulham season opener. Ten Hag aims to end Old Trafford's trophy drought; Fulham eyes European places.

Manchester United seeks for a great start to the new season however, they must overcome the team that beat them 2-1 at Old Trafford last season. (Photo credit: Opta)

 Manchester United vs. Fulham

Old Trafford

8:00pm

After a break of more than two months, the English Premier League returns for the 34th time; welcome to the 2024/2025 Premier League season.

The first game of the season is taking place at the Theatre of Rich History, with thirteen Premier League titles, all won by the retired general, Sir Alex Ferguson, and chased in futility by David Moyes, Ryan Giggs, Louis Van Gaal, Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solksjaer, Ralf Rangnick, and now Erik Ten Hag.

The Dutchman is determined to end the circle of failure, and with the injection of belief by the INEOS Group, bringing in a new culture and purging the club of mediocrity and business as usual, Ten Hag might well be on his way to changing the narrative around the club since Fergie left.

On day one, the Lilywhites are the visitors to Old Trafford; they have done some interesting business, and Marco Silva is still sniffing around Selhurst Park in hopes of being able to price away Joachim Anderson from Crystal Palace.

Fulham lost Bobby De Cordova-Reid to Leicester City, but the arrivals of former Tottenham winger Ryan Sessegnon and Arsenal academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe are looking exciting for the Lilywhites. Is this the season they break into European places?

What would represent success for these sides at the end of the season? For the hosts, it is a top-four finish and a domestic title, but finishing within the European qualification spots would be a great deal for Fulham.

Who are the men you expect to fire for Friday's season opener? Marcus Rashford will decide this season whether he wants to become a star or maintain his reputation as a talented player who never lived up to expectations.

With Rasmus Hojlund out injured, Joshua Zirkzee will have the opportunity to impress upfront. Bruno Fernandes is still the chief creator for the Red Devils; however, he will need Alejandro Garnacho, Amad Traore, and anyone else picked to fly up top to make him shine.

Rodrigo Muniz is back on the radar for Fulham, and with Raul Jimenez struggling, we expect the Brazilian to feature. At Bank of ESR, he has a lot to prove, and Andreas Pereira could also pose a threat to his current employers.

Verdict: Both teams score