Manchester United will be determined to put back-to-back defeats behind them when they face Fulham at Craven Cottage in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

United, who beat the Cottagers 2-1 on the final day of last season, suffered a second successive defeat in midweek, exiting the Carabao Cup after a 3-0 reverse to Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Goals from Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock sealed a routine win for the much-changed Magpies.

That defeat has increased the pressure on manager Erik ten Hag, meaning he will be desperate to see his side produce a much-needed response on the banks of the Thames. United, of course, lost 3-0 to neighbours Manchester City in their last league outing.

The Dutchman is poised to make changes to the side that was beaten by Newcastle, one of which will be enforced. Casemiro will be unavailable for ‘several weeks’ after suffering a hamstring injury against Eddie Howe’s side.

Ten Hag, however, is almost certainly going to stick with Andre Onana in goal. The Cameroonian has started each of United’s opening 15 games in all competitions this season and that trend is likely to continue in the capital.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka made his long-awaited return from a hamstring injury in midweek, stepping off the bench at half-time after Diogo Dalot produced a disastrous first-half performance. The former, as a result, is likely to bag his first start since the 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on September 3.

Wan-Bissaka should join Raphael Varane, who is back available after illness, Harry Maguire and Sergio Reguilon in forming the back-four. Varane has played no part in the last two matches and his presence in the heart of the defence should give the Reds a boost.

It is in midfield where Ten Hag almost certainly faces the biggest selection headache. Casemiro’s latest injury means Sofyan Amrabat is highly likely to start in the defensive-midfield berth, but it is a competitive field when deciding who should start alongside him.

Mason Mount could win the race after starting in midweek, though his performance was far from glittering. He has not started a league game since the win over Brentford four weeks ago. Bruno Fernandes is likely to continue as the most advanced midfield operator in the No.10 position.

Pick the team

In attack, you would not bet against Ten Hag persisting with Antony on the right-wing, despite him failing to impose himself once again on Wednesday night. Marcus Rashford is likely to return after starting the cup clash on the bench.

Rasmus Hojlund, who also started the defeat to Newcastle on the bench, is likely to spearhead the attack and play through the middle of the front-three. He is still searching for his first-ever Premier League goal.

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has some big decisions to make.
How Manchester United could potentially line-up against Fulham.

Predicted United line-up: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Maguire, Reguilon; Amrabat, Mount, Fernandes; Antony, Hojlund, Rashford.