FA Cup: Manchester United vs Fulham predicted score, key stats, verdict and suggested bets
- Seb Sternik
- 17 March 2023
Manchester United will be looking to take a big step towards a potential Double-winning season when they take on Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
Date, KO time and TV coverage
FA Cup, Sunday, March 19, Kick-off 4.30pm, live on ITV
Predicted score
Manchester United 2-1 Fulham
Suggested bets
Manchester United to win and both teams to score
Marcus Rashford to score anytime
Over 2.5 goals
Key stats
Marcus Rashford is enjoying his best goalscoring season - bagging 27 goals in 43 games
Manchester United have won 19 of their last 22 games at home
Manchester United haven't lost at Old Trafford since September
Fulham have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since January
Fulham's last win at Old Trafford came in 2003
Previous meetings
PL: Fulham 1-2 Man United, November 2022
PL: Man United 1-1 Fulham, May 2021
PL: Fulham 1-2 Man United, January 2021
PL: Fulham 0-3 Man United, February 2019
PL: Man United 4-1 Fulham, December 2018
Team news
Manchester United will be without the suspended Casemiro who was sent off against Southampton last weekend.
Forward Anthony Martial is edging towards a return, though the Fulham game may come a little too early for the Frenchman.
Alejandro Garnacho is out with an injury while Antony could feature in Sunday's cup clash.
Fulham, on the other hand, will be without Tom Cairney, Neeskens Kebano and Layvin Kurzawa. Willian remains a doubt following a back injury.
Recent form
Manchester United have somewhat recovered from their 7-0 annihilation against Liverpool and are currently unbeaten in three straight outings.
The Red Devils impressed in their two victories over Real Betis in the Europa League. However, they looked far less assured in their goalless draw with Southampton last weekend.
Despite playing at Old Trafford, it was the Saints who enjoyed more possession, created more goal attempts and boasted a higher xG.
Fulham have also hit problems in recent weeks. Their seven-match unbeaten run came to an end during a 3-2 derby defeat against Brentford.
The Cottagers followed that up with a 3-0 loss at home against league leaders Arsenal.
What has been said?
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag said: "It's a big game on Sunday. We know that so we have to do everything in our power to get that done.
"We have less time, we know, but we can manage that. We've done it several times and also Sunday, we must get the energy, get the focus and get ready for the start.
"It's the FA Cup and a big fixture, a big match for us. After Sunday, we will see - it's the international break and we can refocus."
Fulham boss Marco Silva said: "Firstly, it was our aim (to go through) and I said, and I keep saying from the first day of this competition, that we have high demands and our ambition is really high in this competition.
"We are humble enough to understand that we are not favourites at all - the favourites are different teams than us but we want to chase the competition and challenge all the opposition sides."
Verdict
Manchester United are just three games away from completing a long-awaited season Double as they look to claim their first FA Cup since 2016.
The Red Devils have already banked the Carabao Cup earlier this season and that experience could certainly aid their hopes of lifting a second piece of silverware.
With the exception of their recent 7-0 drubbing at Anfield, United have enjoyed a good run of results - winning 11 of their last 15 outings across all competitions.
Erik ten Hag's men also boast a fearsome record at home, winning 19 of their last 22 fixtures at Old Trafford.
One reason behind United's excellent run is Marcus Rashford's epic return to form. The 25-year-old is enjoying his best season at the club having already scored 27 goals in 43 matches across all competitions.
With the Red Devils in solid form and Rashford scoring goals for fun, it's hard to envisage Fulham pulling off a shock this weekend.
The Cottagers arrive at Old Trafford on the back of successive derby defeats, having conceded six goals in 180 minutes of action.
Generally speaking, Marco Silva's men are enjoying a tremendous season, though expect their FA Cup dreams to shatter at the hands of a rejuvenated United outfit.
The hosts to win and both teams to score is our recommendation ahead of Sunday's encounter. Over 2.5 goals also makes for an enticing selection.
