The Premier League is back, and with it comes the clash between Manchester United and Fulham F.C. on August 16th, 2024. This historic rivalry, dating back to 2001, is always one to watch. But before kickoff, let’s delve into the world of statistics and see what they tell us about this upcoming match.
Head-to-Head: A Clear Advantage for United
Traditionally, Manchester United has dominated this matchup. Looking at their overall record since 2001, United boasts a staggering 28 wins compared to Fulham’s mere 4 victories. The Red Devils have also scored a whopping 87 goals against the Cottagers, with Fulham netting just 38.
This dominance translates to recent form as well. In the last five meetings, United has secured two wins, while Fulham has yet to find a victory. Interestingly, however, these matches haven’t been high-scoring affairs, averaging only 1.4 goals per game for United and 1.2 goals per game for Fulham.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the head-to-head stats:
Matches Played: 38
Manchester United Wins: 28 (73.7%)
Fulham Wins: 4 (10.5%)
Draws: 6 (15.8%)
Manchester United Goals Scored: 87 (Avg. 2.3 per game)
Fulham Goals Scored: 38 (Avg. 1.0 per game)
Key Takeaway: Historically, Manchester United has a clear advantage over Fulham. Recent form suggests a tighter contest, though goals might be at a premium.
Current Form: United Looking to Rebound, Fulham Aiming to Build
The 2023/24 season saw contrasting fortunes for both teams. Manchester United finished in a disappointing 14th place, failing to secure European qualification. Their form was inconsistent, with bright moments overshadowed by defensive frailties.
Fulham, on the other hand, enjoyed a successful promotion campaign from the Championship, finishing a respectable 9th in their return to the Premier League. They displayed a well-organized approach and surprised many with their attacking prowess.
Here’s a look at some key statistics from the 2023/24 season:
| Stat | Manchester United | Fulham |
| Position | 14th | 9th |
| Points | 49 | 55 |
| Wins | 13 | 16 |
| Draws | 10 | 7 |
| Losses | 17 | 12 |
| Goals Scored | 45 | 52 |
| Goals Conceded | 54 | 46 |
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Key Takeaway: Manchester United needs a significant turnaround, while Fulham will be looking to carry their momentum into the new season.
Statistical Breakdown: Different Styles at Play?
Looking at last season’s statistics, we see a possible contrast in playing styles. Manchester United, despite their lower position, managed more shots per game compared to Fulham. However, their conversion rate was lower, suggesting a finishing issue.
Defensively, both teams struggled at times. United conceded a significant number of goals, while Fulham’s success came despite a leaky defense. Here’s a deeper dive into some key stats:
Shots per Game: Manchester United (15.8) vs. Fulham (14.2)
Shots on Target per Game: Manchester United (4.7) vs. Fulham (4.3)
Pass Completion %: Manchester United (84.3%) vs. Fulham (82.1%)
Tackles Won %: Manchester United (55.6%) vs. Fulham (61.5%)
Aerial Duels Won %: Manchester United (43.8%) vs. Fulham (56.3%)
Key Takeaway: Manchester United might create more chances, but Fulham could be more clinical. Defensively, both teams have work to do.
Cracking the Code: Recent Form Stats
While head-to-head stats offer valuable insights, recent form paints a more dynamic picture. Here’s a look at how both teams fared in the closing stages of the last season:
Manchester United: United finished the 2023/24 season in a disappointing 14th place. Their struggles were evident in their lack of attacking prowess, with a worrying dip in goals scored. However, they did show some defensive solidity, with a decent tackles success rate of 55.6% [Sky Sports].
Fulham: In stark contrast, Fulham defied expectations by securing a surprising 9th place finish. Their success stemmed from a strong defensive display, boasting a tackles success rate of 61.5% – even higher than United’s [Sky Sports]. They were also effective in aerial duels, winning a whopping 56.3% compared to United’s 43.8% [Sky Sports].
These stats suggest an interesting tactical battle. While United seeks to rediscover their attacking edge, Fulham will likely focus on maintaining their defensive solidity and exploiting United’s weaknesses in the air.
FAQs
Q: Who has the better head-to-head record, Manchester United or Fulham?
A: Manchester United holds a dominant advantage historically. Looking at all competitions since 2001, United has won 28 out of 38 matches, with Fulham winning only 4 [AiScore].
Q: What was the result of the last Manchester United vs Fulham match?
A: In their most recent meeting on February 24th, 2024, Fulham surprisingly beat Manchester United 2-1 [FootyStats].
Q: How have Manchester United and Fulham been performing lately?
A: Manchester United finished 14th in the last Premier League season, while Fulham secured a surprising 9th place finish [Sofascore].
Q: Where can I find more detailed stats about the match?
A: Several websites offer in-depth statistics on the matchup. Try [FotMob], [Sky Sports], or [FootyStats] for detailed breakdowns of past encounters and even form comparisons.
Q: How about Fulham?
Fulham, on the other hand, achieved a more impressive 9th place finish last season
Q: Where can I find more detailed stats about the match, like possession or shots on target?
Websites like Sky Sports [Sky Sports] provide a breakdown of stats like possession, shots, tackles, and more for past Manchester United vs Fulham matches.
Conclusion
Despite Manchester United boasting a historically superior record, Fulham’s recent success and United’s inconsistency add intrigue to their upcoming clash. While stats offer valuable insights, the opening game of the season often throws up surprises. It will be interesting to see if Manchester United can bounce back from their underwhelming season or if Fulham can maintain their impressive form.
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