Paul Merson is expecting Manchester United to win in this afternoon’s Premier League clash with Fulham as well as keep a clean sheet on home turf.
The former Arsenal man did, however, make his prediction prior to the news of Rasmus Hojlund’s injury setback, and it’s the Red Devils’ front three that made him so confident in anticipating goals for Erik ten Hag’s men.
It was confirmed on Friday that the young Dane had sustained a calf complaint and would be ruled out for around two to three weeks, coming as a gutting blow given his prolific run of form that’s seen him net seven times in six straight matches – four of which have been wins.
Marcus Rashford is able to transition to a central role – away from his usual comforts on the left flank – while Alejandro Garnacho could be deployed on either wing, though his best performances in recent weeks have come on the right.
Laurie Whitwell claims that 19-year-old Omari Forson is in line to make his first-ever Premier League start, which would see the two wingers retain their places and the youngster fill Hojlund’s void.
Merson’s United vs Fulham prediction
“Manchester United seem to keep winning all the time now,” Merson began in his SportsKeeda column. “They weren’t the better team against Aston Villa, but they pulled it off. Luton were dominating them at one point, but I can’t remember [Andre] Onana making a single save.
“Manchester United are going to score goals in this game, and Fulham will need to score as well if they want to get a result. Man United have a set front three now, and they’re performing consistently for Ten Hag.
“I like Rasmus Hojlund, and I think he’s going to be a superstar. He was injured when he arrived at the club, but you can now see that he’s fit and settled. He’s only 21 years old, and he’s been brilliant for United. Fulham have picked up only seven points from their travels so far, and have been poor away from home. I can only see a Man United win in this fixture, and that would put them right into the top-four race.”
He’s gone for United 3-0 Fulham.
I reckon we’ll be back struggling to score without in form Holund. Rashford couldn’t hit a barn door. We need Garnacho to have a good game and score a few.