Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign with a first away match of the season against Fulham.
Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Arsenal was not the start to the 2025/26 season that Ruben Amorim would have dreamed up for Manchester United.
Now there is added pressure on Amorim to pick up points at Craven Cottage when United face Fulham in the second match of the season.
There were huge positives about United’s performance, including impressive debuts from Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, but Amorim will want to see goals on Sunday afternoon.
There are five important decisions for United’s head coach to make.
Ruben Amorim watching his Manchester United side face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup
Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images
The goalkeeper dilemma
Against Arsenal, Andre Onana was left out of the matchday squad despite Amorim explaining that he had recovered from his injury.
Amorim fiercely defended Altay Bayindir, who started against the Gunners but failed to deal with Arsenal’s corner for Riccardo Calafiori’s goal.
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Heading to Fulham, Amorim will have to decide who starts between the sticks at Craven Cottage.
Amorim has explained that Onana and Bayindir will compete for a starting spot, but it is a big decision to make given United’s need to get points on the board.
Should Kobbie Mainoo start?
Wayne Rooney questioned Kobbie Mainoo’s exclusion against Arsenal, after the Carrington graduate didn’t come off the bench against the Gunners.
Amorim’s biggest criticism is his role for Mainoo, with fans wanting to see the 20-year-old pick up more minutes than he is currently getting.
It was Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes who started against Arsenal last week, and now Amorim must decide whether Kobbie Mainoo is deserving of a starting spot against Fulham.
Amad Diallo or Diogo Dalot?
Amad Diallo was superb in pre-season for United, but was left out of the starting XI against Arsenal in the opening Premier League match.
Amorim’s decision to instead start Diogo Dalot raised a few eyebrows, with many perceiving it to be a more defensive-minded setup.
United will hope to dominate against Fulham, so once again Amorim must decide between starting either Amad Diallo or Dalot at right wing-back.
Did Mason Mount do enough to keep his spot?
Rio Ferdinand raved about Mason Mount’s performance against Arsenal, with United’s No.7 starring alongside debutants Cunha and Mbeumo.
The 26-year-old could be set for a key role under Amorim this season if he stays fit, but it’s hard to see where he will fit in the starting XI.
Benjamin Sesko set for his first start
Following his £66m move from RB Leipzig, Benjamin Sesko was named as a substitute against Arsenal and came on for a 25-minute cameo in the second half.
United fans were impressed by Sesko’s debut, but the 6ft 5in Slovenian striker will hope for more minutes against Fulham – and hopefully, his first start.
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Amorim could unleash his new-look attack against Fulham, with Cunha and Mbeumo either side of Sesko.
Joshua Zirkzee will also hope for his first minutes of the season having returned from his pre-season setback.