Andre Onana is available for Manchester United’s econd match of the 2025/26 season today against Fulham, but head coach Ruben Amorim has not confirmed whether he will play.
Defence
Although substitute keeper Altay Bayindir made a high profile error in the opening match against Arsenal, Amorim was very defensive of his keeper after the game.
Given also United’s reported attempts to sign Royal Antwerp keeper Senne Lammens, we just have a hunch that Bayindir will keep his place in the side for now as we watch what develops in the goalkeeping department between now and when the transfer window closes.
The back three against Arsenal – Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Luke Shaw – were excellent and we expect them to start again. Harry Maguire and Ayden Heaven are other options, but Lisandro Martinez and Noussair Mazraoui are still out injured.
Mazraoui has a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season and Martinez still hasn’t quite completed his recovery from knee surgery.
Wing backs and midfield
The fact that Amorim started Diogo Dalot at right wing back ahead of Amad last weekend suggests that the pair will be rotated, with Dalot the more defensive option. The question is whether the boss considers an away fixture against Fulham to warrant a more attacking option.
We think he will go on the offensive and that Amad will start ahead of Dalot. Patrick Dorgu will most likely start at left wing back.
Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro will probably also reprise their midfield roles. Manuel Ugarte has shown poor form recently and it is fairly clear that Amorim doesn’t see Kobbie Mainoo as a number six.
It is expected by many that United will also try to sign someone in defensive midfield position before the window closes. An unsuccessful push for Brighton’s Carlos Baleba was evidence of this. In the meantime, however, the Brazilian seems the best option.
Forwards
Benjamin Sesko will likely start his first game in a red shirt, with Rasmus Hojlund now looking likely to leave. The Slovenian will be flanked by Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.
Mainoo, Josh Zirkzee and Mason Mount are other options.
Chido Obi may also make it to the bench, although he did not feature against the Gunners.
Here, then, is our predicted line-up for this afternoon’s 4.30pm kick-off:
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Red Billy
Red Billy is the managing editor of The Peoples Person, author of three books and totally obsessed with football’s transfer market. Billy still insists Matteo Darmian and Alex Telles could have made it at United given half a chance.
