Manchester United Vs Crystal Palace Preview
By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent)
Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01
Manchester United are back to winning ways after defeating Everton last Monday, thanks to a brilliant counter-attacking move finished off by Benjamin Šeško.
Now, an in-form United side are looking to make it 11 Premier League games unbeaten as they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, with the business end of the 2025–26 season fast approaching. Some people see this fixture as an audition for Oliver Glasner and Adam Wharton — especially with the strong links to United — but for me, it’s simple: this is just a game we must win. Champions League football is on the line.
With Wolves beating Aston Villa on Friday, third place is suddenly there for the taking. That changes the perspective completely. What do you think?
In other news, United seem to have steadied things financially. The club reported an increase in profit, with chief executive Omar Berrada stating that the benefits of the club’s “off-pitch transformation” are beginning to show in improved financial performance — even though total debt is now approaching £1.3bn.
United posted an operating profit of £32.6m for the six months ending 31 December 2025. That’s a big contrast to the £3.9m loss recorded during the same period the previous year. However, the club also drew down an additional £25m from their rolling credit facility, which now stands at £295.7m.
The big question heading into Sunday afternoon is: will Šeško start? It was one of the main talking points in Carrick’s press conference.
Since Amorim’s departure, Šeško has scored five goals in six league games, despite playing just under 233 minutes (including stoppage time). That’s one goal every 46 minutes and 34 seconds — elite numbers. No player has scored more non-penalty Premier League goals in 2026 than the Slovenian’s five.
Personally, I don’t think Palace will sit back like Everton or West Ham did, so I’m not sure he needs to start. But with Amad looking a bit relaxed since the Arsenal game, rotation might not be a bad idea. These players only play once a week. Amad hasn’t offered enough going forward recently. Maybe push Mbeumo wide and let Amad come in later to shake things up.
But then again, I’m not the coach — who am I to break up a winning team? What’s your take?
United are the only side unbeaten in the Premier League since Boxing Day, collecting a league-high 22 points in that period. Sixteen of those points have come since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the dugout.
The Opta supercomputer rates United as clear favorites, giving them a 55.9% chance of victory in pre-match simulations.
Carrick has overseen a three-game home winning streak, with United scoring multiple goals against Tottenham, Manchester City and Fulham. Ironically, he now faces a manager many believe could potentially replace him.
However, United aren’t the only team in form. Crystal Palace have won two of their last three league matches and progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League.
Palace left it late in their most recent Premier League game, securing a 1-0 win over Wolves thanks to a 90th-minute strike from substitute Evann Guessand. They followed that up with a 2-0 European victory over Bosnian opposition, making it three wins in four in all competitions. Even more concerning — they’ve won on their last two visits to Old Trafford.
In fact, Palace are aiming to become just the second London club to win three consecutive away league matches at Old Trafford, after Chelsea achieved that between 1967-68 and 1969-70.
Glasner, who seems to edge closer to the Palace exit door with every press conference, has kept the headlines busy — but to be fair, his players have been delivering on the pitch lately.
Even though we’ve already beaten Palace this season, I still worry about them. Over the last two seasons, they’ve been a thorn in our side at Old Trafford. And whenever United need a big win to cement a top-four spot, nerves sometimes creep in.
But since Carrick took over, there’s a renewed belief around this team. It feels different. There’s more control, more confidence. Even with Palace improving, United should have enough to see this through.
What do you think?
Comment below with your score predictions!
Manchester United record against Crystal Palace:
|
Games won: |
42 |
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Games drawn: |
14 |
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Games lost: |
13 |
Team News:
(As of today 28/02/2026,)
Manchester United: De ligt, Mount, Martinez and Dorgu out.
Crystal Palace: Jefferson Lerma, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah are out.
Prediction:
The momentum right now is fantastic. With Friday’s result going in our favor, this is a real opportunity to strengthen our grip on the top-four race with 10 games left and no European distractions.
Crystal Palace are finding form again, but we should be able to capitalize early and control the game.
Manchester United 3-1 Crystal Palace
Historic Exchange Under Istanbul Agreement In the largest prisoner swap since the full-scale war began, Russia and Ukraine have each released 390 prisoners—comprising 270 military personnel and 120 civilians—as part of an overall 1,000-for-1,000 agreement negotiated during direct talks in Istanbul earlier in May. BBC+4www.ndtv.com+4Deutsche Welle+4Anadolu Ajansı+15Reuters+ Departures and Arrivals Ukrainian returnees arrived in the Chernihiv region, many visibly frail with shaved heads and draped in national flags, greeted by emotional reunions with relatives amid cheers and tears. Reuters+4 The Washington +4 The Daily Star +4. Some had been held in captivity for nearly two years. Russian returnees, including soldiers and civilians captured during a Ukrainian incursion into Kursk region, were first transported to Belarus for medical and psychological evaluation before being repatriated ussia. BBC+3Reuters+3 The Guardian +3. Emotional Homecomings and Lingering Uncertainty Families crowded the exchange sites, clutching photographs of missing loved ones, hoping for a clue from those stepping off the buses. One Ukrainian newly freed veteran, held for more than 830 days, encouraged others not to lose hope: “In every prison there are many guys who had no contact with their relatives. I was the same,” he said The Guardian+10The Washington Post+10The Guardian+10. But for many, the reunion came with heavy uncertainty about family members still unaccounted for. Political Messages and Future Prospects President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the swap as the only tangible outcome of the Istanbul talks and emphasized continued efforts to bring all detainees home. Hromadske The Washington PostThe Guardian. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promised that Moscow would submit a draft peace proposal following the exchange but reiterated refusal of a ceasefire unless certain conditions were met—terms Ukraine has rejected, according to Reuters The Guardian. Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who helped push for the Istanbul negotiations, congratulated both parties via his social media platform, calling the swap a possible step toward broader peace, though no ceasefire has been agreed upon, according to Reuters and the New York Post. Humanitarian Milestone Amid Ongoing Conflict This first phase swap underscores a rare moment of cooperation in a conflict that has otherwise deepened across Ukraine’s eastern and southern regions. While a few hundred lives have been restored to families, thousands remain in captivity, and both sides show no signs of halting hostilities. Negotiations may continue in coming days as both governments prepare for the next instalment of releases under the "1,000-for-1,000" agreement. For now, the tranche of 390 each represents the largest exchange of its kind since the war began.
It is the year 2025, and the frontrunner to win the Ballon d'Or is Ousmane Dembele, forward for Paris Saint-Germain and the France national team. The road to this point has been far from smooth, but this is the end point nonetheless. PSG are the undisputed and unquestionable kings of Europe, winning the European Cup in any format for the first time in their history - a significant feat not just for a team only founded in 1970, but one for the Qatari Sports Investment project which has been hell-bent on continental domination since their takeover in 2011. Luis Enrique's side will be remembered for years to come for their tiki taka-lite style based on fluidity and slick possession football, and at the forefront of their success has been Dembele. With the Ballon d'Or now judged on a seasonal basis - as should have always been the case, thank you, France Football - it is a campaign that should end with Dembele lifting the prestigious Golden Ball in his home country.
Arsenal and Manchester City played out a dramatic 1-1 draw on Sunday, with the two Premier League rivals unable to be separated through 98 or so minutes. Erling Haaland had given the visitors an early lead, before Pep Guardiola remarkably decided to park the bus to try and sneak the win. Those efforts went up in smoke in added time as Gabriel Martinelli scored to clinch a point for the Gunners. Having both slipped up domestically already this season, this wasn't quite a 'must win' affair for either side, but definitely more of a 'must not lose'. In the end, perhaps a draw in which neither team showed much attacking endeavour will please both parties. City seemed content to sit in and create chances on the break, while Arsenal didn't exactly throw the kitchen sink at their visitors in order to force the leveller. It was a pretty just outcome and neither can really have any complaints about how it ended.
North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". North Korea has begun an investigation into an accident that occurred during the launch of a new warship this week, state media said Friday, assessing the damage as "not serious". North Korea said Thursday that "a serious accident occurred" at the Wednesday launch ceremony for the newly built 5,000-ton naval destroyer, in which sections of the bottom of the vessel were crushed -- with leader Kim Jong Un calling the mishap a "criminal act". Technology stocks led the gains in the U.S., with Apple (AAPL) up 1.8% and Nvidia (NVDA) jumping 2.4%, as demand for AI and semiconductors remains strong. Tesla (TSLA) also rebounded, rising 3.1% after announcing better-than-expected Q2 vehicle deliveries. Global stock markets showed a mixed performance as investors weighed persistent inflation concerns against a wave of corporate earnings reports. While strong results from major tech companies helped lift some indexes, uncertainty surrounding central bank policies and the future path of interest rates kept others in check. In the U.S.,
Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant. Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant.Eighteen people were injured in a knife attack in Hamburg station on Friday evening, Germany's Bild newspaper reported, and local police confirmed they had arrested the suspected assailant
Manchester United Vs Crystal Palace Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 Manchester United are back to winning ways after defeating Everton last Monday, thanks to a brilliant counter-attacking move finished off by Benjamin Šeško. Now, an in-form United side are looking to make it 11 Premier League games unbeaten as they welcome Crystal Palace to Old Trafford, with the business end of the 2025–26 season fast approaching. Some people see this fixture as an audition for Oliver Glasner and Adam Wharton — especially with the strong links to United — but for me, it’s simple: this is just a game we must win. Champions League football is on the line. With Wolves beating Aston Villa on Friday, third place is suddenly there for the taking. That changes the perspective completely. What do you think? In other news, United seem to have steadied things financially. The club reported an increase in profit, with chief executive Omar Berrada stating that the benefits of the club’s “off-pitch transformation” are beginning to show in improved financial performance — even though total debt is now approaching £1.3bn. United posted an operating profit of £32.6m for the six months ending 31 December 2025. That’s a big contrast to the £3.9m loss recorded during the same period the previous year. However, the club also drew down an additional £25m from their rolling credit facility, which now stands at £295.7m. The big question heading into Sunday afternoon is: will Šeško start? It was one of the main talking points in Carrick’s press conference. Since Amorim’s departure, Šeško has scored five goals in six league games, despite playing just under 233 minutes (including stoppage time). That’s one goal every 46 minutes and 34 seconds — elite numbers. No player has scored more non-penalty Premier League goals in 2026 than the Slovenian’s five. Personally, I don’t think Palace will sit back like Everton or West Ham did, so I’m not sure he needs to start. But with Amad looking a bit relaxed since the Arsenal game, rotation might not be a bad idea. These players only play once a week. Amad hasn’t offered enough going forward recently. Maybe push Mbeumo wide and let Amad come in later to shake things up. But then again, I’m not the coach — who am I to break up a winning team? What’s your take? United are the only side unbeaten in the Premier League since Boxing Day, collecting a league-high 22 points in that period. Sixteen of those points have come since Michael Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in the dugout. The Opta supercomputer rates United as clear favorites, giving them a 55.9% chance of victory in pre-match simulations. Carrick has overseen a three-game home winning streak, with United scoring multiple goals against Tottenham, Manchester City and Fulham. Ironically, he now faces a manager many believe could potentially replace him. However, United aren’t the only team in form. Crystal Palace have won two of their last three league matches and progressed to the last 16 of the UEFA Conference League. Palace left it late in their most recent Premier League game, securing a 1-0 win over Wolves thanks to a 90th-minute strike from substitute Evann Guessand. They followed that up with a 2-0 European victory over Bosnian opposition, making it three wins in four in all competitions. Even more concerning — they’ve won on their last two visits to Old Trafford. In fact, Palace are aiming to become just the second London club to win three consecutive away league matches at Old Trafford, after Chelsea achieved that between 1967-68 and 1969-70. Glasner, who seems to edge closer to the Palace exit door with every press conference, has kept the headlines busy — but to be fair, his players have been delivering on the pitch lately. Even though we’ve already beaten Palace this season, I still worry about them. Over the last two seasons, they’ve been a thorn in our side at Old Trafford. And whenever United need a big win to cement a top-four spot, nerves sometimes creep in. But since Carrick took over, there’s a renewed belief around this team. It feels different. There’s more control, more confidence. Even with Palace improving, United should have enough to see this through. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Crystal Palace: Games won: 42 Games drawn: 14 Games lost: 13 Team News: (As of today 28/02/2026,) Manchester United: De ligt, Mount, Martinez and Dorgu out. Crystal Palace: Jefferson Lerma, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Cheick Doucoure and Eddie Nketiah are out. Prediction: The momentum right now is fantastic. With Friday’s result going in our favor, this is a real opportunity to strengthen our grip on the top-four race with 10 games left and no European distractions. Crystal Palace are finding form again, but we should be able to capitalize early and control the game. Manchester United 3-1 Crystal Palace
Manchester United Vs Fulham Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 What a week it’s been. Back-to-back wins against the top two teams in the league is not a fluke — I don’t care what anyone says. Even the supercomputers were confused. The odds were defied, narratives were torn apart, and Old Trafford finally felt alive again. We even got hit songs out of it — Cunha-Bruno-Shaw and Dorgu-Bruno-Dorgu-Bruno. Moments like this remind you why football is emotional. It genuinely feels like the good times might be coming back to Manchester United. That said, I’m not getting carried away. This squad has always had a habit of showing up against big teams. The real test is what comes next — matches like this one. This Fulham game will tell us whether United have actually improved or if this is just another false dawn. One win away from equalling Ruben Amorim’s longest Premier League winning streak, Michael Carrick and his revitalised United side welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon. With the transfer window closing in England tomorrow, the club has still not brought anyone in. Yes, there have been outgoings — Joe Hugill has left for Kilmarnock — but that’s nowhere near enough. Management's position is that signings will only happen if players are available at the “right price”. To me, that’s just another excuse for poor planning. Smaller clubs are doing business this January, yet Manchester United still doesn’t have a natural left winger. With Dorgu set to be out for almost three months, we’re left with Cunha and Mount — both players who prefer operating as number 10s rather than being pushed out wide. Reinforcements are needed if we’re serious about finishing as high as possible. Everyone knows it: to attract the best players, you have to be playing Champions League football. After silencing the Emirates Stadium last Sunday, United now face another in-form side in Fulham — a team we drew 1–1 with in the first leg. It’s a match Bruno Fernandes will want to put right after missing a penalty last time out, though the midfield issues that plagued that game now appear to be sorted. Carrick’s impact has been immediate. He is the first United manager since February 2010 to record back-to-back wins against teams starting the day in the top two of the Premier League table. As things stand, United are firmly in control of the race for fourth place. The Red Devils head into Gameweek 24 with a one-point lead over Chelsea and a two-point cushion over Liverpool, riding a six-game unbeaten run — the longest in the league right now. United’s summer attacking investment is finally paying off. They’ve scored in each of their last 11 Premier League games and conceded just once in their last three at Old Trafford. The return of Bryan Mbeumo has been massive. United won just 20% of matches while he was away at AFCON, compared to a 50% win rate when he starts. Over the last two seasons, only Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland have been involved in more Premier League goals than Mbeumo. A penny for Ruben Amorim’s sexual thoughts as his successor — temporary or permanent — dismantled both Manchester City and Arsenal in consecutive league games, and did so convincingly. Carrick may have passed two of the toughest tests imaginable already, but this won’t be straightforward. Marco Silva has Fulham dreaming of Europe. After an inconsistent start to the season, the Cottagers have lost just once in their last eight matches across all competitions, winning five. Harry Wilson was the hero again last time out, curling in a last-minute free kick to complete a dramatic 2–1 comeback against Brighton. Fulham have picked up 17 points from their last eight league games — the same number they managed in their first 15. That’s the best eight-game run in their Premier League history. Wilson’s form has been central to that surge, contributing to 10 goals in his last 11 appearances. Set-pieces have also become a major weapon. Since December, only two teams have scored more set-piece goals than Fulham. The loss of Dorgu is a blow for United. He’s been involved in five goals in his last seven league appearances and ranks among the league’s best for chances created, possession won, and fouls drawn during that period. Still, history favours United. The Red Devils have lost just one of their last 20 league meetings with Fulham, though that defeat did come at Old Trafford in February 2024. The Opta supercomputer gives United a 51.7% chance of victory, compared to Fulham’s 23.7%, with the draw rated at 24.6%. Fulham, meanwhile, has a win probability of 23.7%, while the draw is ranked at 24.6%. With all the positivity around Old Trafford, this game is about consistency. Fulham will likely sit back and test United’s patience — this will be the first side to face us after those big wins with a clear plan to frustrate. What do you think? Comment below with your score predictions! Manchester United record against Fulham: Games won: 58 Games drawn: 21 Games lost: 16 Team News: (As of today, 31/01/2026) Manchester United: De ligt and Dorgu are out. Fulham: Rodrigo Muniz and Sasa Lukic are out. Prediction: For me, this is where it starts. Five straight wins would all but secure a top-four finish, given how teams below us are dropping points. Beating “smaller” teams has been United’s biggest problem for three years. If Carrick gets this right, I’ll fully back him as the new manager. Manchester United 3-1 Fulham.
Leeds United Vs Manchester United Preview By: Babatunde Ajibade (Manchester United correspondent) Facebook: Babatunde Olatunji Ajibade Twitter: ollyzjinx01 Instagram: sir_ajirowo01 First of all, I want to say Happy New Year to all our amazing readers, followers, and contributors. Welcome to 2026 — hopefully a year filled with better football, fewer excuses, and real progress for Manchester United. United begin the new year with a tough trip to Elland Road for the Roses Derby against Leeds United. There are few grounds more hostile, especially at this stage of the season, and facing a Leeds side that has found renewed belief only adds to the difficulty. The big question is simple: can Manchester United silence Elland Road and start 2026 with a statement win? The last outing against Wolves is one most United fans would rather forget — or at least move past very quickly. The 1-1 draw handed Wolves just their third point of the season, and it felt every bit like a defeat. With teams above also dropping points, a win would have pushed United into the top four yet again, only for inconsistency to rear its head. Once more, injuries and AFCON absences were offered as explanations, but at some point those excuses begin to wear thin. Off the pitch, January transfer talk is already heating up. Amorim has insisted no deal will be rushed, stressing that the squad is strong enough, though he has also admitted the board knows which areas need strengthening if moves are made. United are still being linked with Carlos Baleba, with hopes Brighton may lower their demands due to his inconsistent league form, despite an impressive AFCON showing. Wingers remain on the radar after losing out on Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City, as United try to assemble players better suited to a system Amorim may be forced to revert to — the 4-2-3-1 that worked against Newcastle, before he oddly switched back to a 3-4-1-2 against Wolves. That Wolves game brought heavy boos and criticism, much of it aimed squarely at Amorim. Drawing at home against the league’s bottom side was bad enough, but changing a winning formation and removing the goalscorer, Zirkzee, while fielding seven defensively minded players raised serious questions. Still, despite the noise, United sit sixth — just three points off the Champions League places — and head to Elland Road on a 25-game unbeaten run against newly promoted sides since the infamous Watford defeat in 2021. Away from home, United have at least found the net in seven consecutive Premier League matches, though the defensive issues remain alarming. They’ve conceded in 14 straight league away games and have already dropped 12 points from winning positions this season — more than all of last season combined. This trip to Leeds also represents just a second chance to win in five matches, with United conceding more equalisers than any other top-flight side this campaign. Opta’s supercomputer gives United a slight edge, but honestly, that offers little comfort. This team has developed a worrying habit of conceding silly goals, and Amorim’s in-game substitutions continue to raise eyebrows. What do you think — is this a team you can trust right now? Leeds, meanwhile, come into this clash full of belief. They recently earned a hard-fought clean sheet at Anfield, holding Liverpool to a goalless draw, and have now gone six league games without defeat. Daniel Farke’s side have climbed to 16th, easing relegation fears, and have taken 10 points from their last 18 available. Elland Road has become a fortress again. Leeds have scored 10 goals in their last three home games and have failed to score at home just once all season. Since switching to a back three and playing more directly, they look revitalised, organised, and dangerous — exactly the kind of opponent United struggle against. History slightly favours United. Leeds haven’t beaten them in the top flight since 2002, and United have won their last two league visits to Elland Road. Still, precedent also suggests goals at both ends, with United conceding in their last 14 away league matches — their worst run since the mid-80s. So, after that frustrating Wolves draw, what happens in United’s first match of the new year? Drop your score predictions below. Manchester United record against Leeds: Games won: 50 Games drawn: 37 Games lost: 26 Team News: (As of today 03/01/2026,) Leeds united: Ethan Ampadu, Sean Longstaff, Joe Rodon, and Daniel James are out for this game. Manchester United: Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, and Matthijs de Ligt are out injured. Bryan Mbeumo, Noussair Mazraoui and Amad Diallo are unavailable due to AFCON duty. Prediction: If it were up to me, I’d gladly fast-forward to the end of the season, but there are still 19 games to play and a Champions League place remains within reach. Unfortunately, this team — and this manager — remain painfully unpredictable. Still, I see United just about edging it. Leeds United 1-2 Manchester United
