Fulham-Manchester United Preview

Bruno Fernandes does not believe Manchester United can class the campaign as a success even if they beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup.

United wrapped up a spot in the Champions League by thrashing Chelsea on Thursday, and can now use their final game of the season - against Fulham on Sunday - as a warm up for next week's showdown with rivals City at Wembley Stadium.

While Fernandes is unsure the season can be successful, based on the levels United have reached in the past, the Portugal international feels positive steps have been made.

"It's a positive season, not successful because successful is different for this club and for us players it has to be too," he said.

"We did win a trophy. We get into the top four. Now we have another final but whatever happened in that final will not change anything about the season we have done.

"One game can't define a season that has been long with so many games and we've been doing really well and we had our moments that we could have done better, obviously, because if not we would be in a better position than we are actually.

"But still we went to win the Carabao, we're in the final of FA Cup, in Europa League could have been better, but it is what it is.

"Now, we have the chance to finish in the best way at home against Fulham and after we have time to think about City."

Fulham are capping off what has been an excellent first season back in the Premier League, with manager Marco Silva having been nominated for the Manager of the Season award.PLAYERS TO WATCH

Manchester United - Marcus Rashford

Rashford has had a stellar season for United. The forward scored his 17th league goal on Thursday, having come on as a first-half substitute. He finished the match with five shots, three on target and two key passes.

Fulham - Aleksandar Mitrovic

Mitrovic has scored 14 Premier League goals this season, including three in his two games since returning from suspension. Only Clint Dempsey (17 in 2011-12) and Dimitar Berbatov (15 in 2012-13) have ever netted more in a single season for Fulham.

United have only lost their final Premier League game in one of their nine campaigns in which they have contested the FA Cup final that season (W6 D2), going down 1-0 at home to West Ham in 2006-07.

Fulham have only won three of their 53 Premier League away games against sides in the top four of the table, drawing 12 and losing 38.

United are unbeaten in their last 14 against the Cottagers (W11 D3) and have won all five of their previous matches against the promoted teams this term.

Manchester United - 50.4%

Fulham - 22.4%

Draw - 27.2%

Updated May 26, 2023