(3-4-2-1) Benjamin Šeško Finally Starts as Bruno Fernandes Drops to Bench for the First Time — Predicted Manchester United Lineup vs Fulham as Rúben Amorim Makes Four Changes After Arsenal Mistakes

The Premier League season continues to throw up drama, and all eyes are on Manchester United’s trip to Craven Cottage as they face Fulham in a must-win clash. Manager Rúben Amorim, under growing scrutiny after his side’s frustrating defeat to Arsenal, is expected to ring the changes.

Reports suggest that Amorim will deploy a 3-4-2-1 system, handing summer signing Benjamin Šeško his long-awaited first start. In an even bigger twist, captain Bruno Fernandes is set to be dropped to the bench for the first time, as Amorim reshapes his midfield in search of balance, control, and renewed attacking thrust.

The changes don’t stop there — Amorim is tipped to make four adjustments in total to correct the errors that cost United against Arsenal.

Why the System Change? (3-4-2-1 Explained)

Amorim’s hallmark during his successful stint at Sporting CP was the 3-4-2-1 formation:

Back three defenders for solidity.
Wing-backs to provide width, pressing high and tracking back.
Double midfield pivot to control transitions.
Two creative forwards tucked behind a lone striker to overload central zones.

Against Arsenal, United’s midfield was overrun, and their attacking play became predictable. Amorim is now turning to the system he knows best — one that provides defensive security but also allows attacking fluidity.

With Fulham strong in central areas but vulnerable on the wings, the 3-4-2-1 could be perfectly suited.

Benjamin Šeško — The Striker United Have Been Waiting For

One of the headline stories is the introduction of Benjamin Šeško. Signed amid great fanfare, the Slovenian striker has mostly been eased in from the bench so far. Fans have been calling for him to start, and Amorim finally looks set to unleash him from the first whistle.

Šeško’s profile is different from Rasmus Højlund:

Height and Physicality: Standing at 6’5, Šeško is a natural target man.
Link-up Play: Strong at holding up the ball and bringing others into play.
Movement in Behind: Intelligent runs that stretch defenses.
Finishing: Clinical with both feet and aerially dominant.

Against Fulham, who often struggle to defend against tall strikers, Šeško could be the key to unlocking goals.

Bruno Fernandes Benched — A Big Statement

Perhaps the biggest shock is the reported decision to bench Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker, captain of United, is rarely ever rested, let alone dropped. However, Amorim is said to be frustrated by Bruno’s positional indiscipline against Arsenal.

While Bruno is undoubtedly creative, his tendency to roam left United’s midfield exposed. Amorim, a tactician obsessed with structure, appears ready to send a message: no player is undroppable.

In Bruno’s place, United could start with Mason Mount or Christian Eriksen as one of the two advanced midfielders, offering more controlled possession. This may allow United to avoid the chaos that Arsenal exploited.

The Four Predicted Changes

Here are the expected adjustments Amorim will make:

Benjamin Šeško IN for Rasmus Højlund
Amorim may rotate his strikers, rewarding Šeško’s patience and testing him in the Premier League.
Bruno Fernandes OUT, Mount/Eriksen IN
A bold call to drop the captain in favor of balance.
Raphaël Varane IN for Victor Lindelöf
Lindelöf struggled with Arsenal’s pressing. Varane, if fit, brings composure and leadership.
Tyrell Malacia IN for Luke Shaw
Shaw looked fatigued and struggled to contain Arsenal’s wide threats. Malacia’s energy may give United more intensity.

Together, these changes aim to address both defensive lapses and attacking inefficiency.

Predicted Lineup vs Fulham (3-4-2-1)

Goalkeeper:

André Onana — Despite errors, Amorim continues to back his summer signing for his ball distribution and shot-stopping.

Back Three:

Raphaël Varane — Returns to stabilize the defense.
Lisandro Martínez — The left-sided warrior, crucial for building play from the back.
Harry Maguire — Surprisingly in strong form this season, keeps his place on the right of the three.

Wing-Backs:

Diogo Dalot — On the right, offering width and work rate.
Tyrell Malacia — On the left, bringing pace and defensive hunger.

Midfield Double Pivot:

Casemiro — Still the anchor, tasked with breaking up Fulham’s play.
Kobbie Mainoo — The youngster continues to impress with composure and ball progression.

Two Advanced Midfielders:

Mason Mount — Expected to start ahead of Fernandes, providing pressing and link-up play.
Marcus Rashford — Moved into a freer role behind the striker, allowing him to attack spaces inside.

Striker:

Benjamin Šeško — Finally starts, spearheading the attack.

How This XI Matches Up Against Fulham

Fulham are a tricky side, especially at Craven Cottage. Marco Silva’s men thrive on compact defensive shape and quick counterattacks. However, their weaknesses are clear:

Vulnerability to aerial dominance (Šeško’s specialty).
Difficulty tracking wing-backs making overlapping runs.
Susceptibility when pressed high in midfield.

Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 directly targets these flaws. With wing-backs pushing Fulham back, and Šeško occupying defenders, Rashford and Mount can exploit the half-spaces. Meanwhile, Casemiro and Mainoo provide enough defensive cover to prevent Fulham’s counters from overwhelming United.

Why Amorim Had to Correct the Arsenal Mistakes

In the Arsenal defeat, United’s problems were glaring:

Midfield Overrun: Bruno’s advanced positioning left Casemiro isolated.
Predictable Attack: Rashford stayed too wide, making United’s play easy to defend.
Defensive Gaps: Lindelöf failed to cope with Arsenal’s pressing.

The changes for Fulham are Amorim’s direct response: more control in midfield, fresher full-backs, and a physical striker who gives United a different dimension.

Fan Expectations

Fans have been divided over Amorim’s start. While his philosophy is admired, results have been inconsistent. Dropping Bruno Fernandes is controversial, but some supporters welcome it:

“Finally someone is brave enough to drop Bruno when he’s poor. We need structure.”
“Šeško deserves his chance. Excited to see what he brings.”

Others fear the move could backfire:

“Dropping your captain in a must-win game? Risky.”
“If Šeško doesn’t perform, Amorim will face a storm.”

The Bigger Picture

United’s season is delicately balanced. With Champions League qualification at stake, every point matters. The Fulham match is more than just a tactical experiment — it’s a test of Amorim’s authority. By dropping Bruno Fernandes, he is making a bold statement: the team comes before individuals.

If the gamble pays off, Amorim will earn credibility as a manager who makes tough but necessary calls. If it fails, criticism will intensify, with questions about whether he can handle United’s dressing-room politics.

Conclusion

Manchester United’s predicted 3-4-2-1 lineup against Fulham represents a fascinating shift in approach. With Benjamin Šeško finally starting and Bruno Fernandes controversially benched, Amorim is rewriting the script in search of balance and discipline. Four changes from the Arsenal game are designed to correct mistakes and reignite United’s season.

Fans can expect a more compact, structured United side, with Šeško tasked with delivering goals and proving why he was such a coveted signing. It’s bold, it’s risky, and it could define Amorim’s credibility early in his Old Trafford reign.

For United, the message is clear: no one is bigger than the team — not even the captain.