PL returns, Nigerian duo target another victory against the red devils in season opener

Nigeria’s Fulham duo, Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, will look to kick off their 2024/25 English Premier League season with a victory against Manchester United in the opener at Old Trafford on today

In their previous encounter, both players scored, and they will be eager to repeat that performance. Last season, Manchester United suffered six home losses in 19 league games, including a defeat to Fulham, who had previously only beaten them three times in 33 Premier League meetings.

Iwobi’s 97th-minute goal at Old Trafford in February secured Fulham’s first-ever win at the venue.

Prior to that February match, Fulham had lost 24 of their encounters with United but now aim to secure consecutive away wins against Erik ten Hag’s rejuvenated team for the first time.

Fulham can draw confidence from their recent record, with three of the last four league meetings against Manchester United being won by the away side, each with a late goal. Additionally, Marco Silva is unbeaten in nine opening-day matches, suggesting a promising result today.

While Manchester United has been active in the transfer market, Fulham is still adjusting after the departures of Tosin Adarabioyo, Joao Palhinha, and long-serving defender Tim Ream.

Bassey is expected to start in defense alongside Issa Diop, with new signing Jorge Cuenca still adjusting. Iwobi will likely play in attack with Andreas Pereira, Rodrigo Muniz, and new signing Emile Smith Rowe.

Ahead of the match, Iwobi expressed his hope to contribute to the team’s success. “If I can’t score, I’ll aim to create chances for my teammates, and with players like Smith Rowe and Adama Traore, I’m confident they’ll convert those chances.