Fulham vs Manchester United: where to watch live, time, and lineups for the Premier League match at Craven Cottage

Fulham and Manchester United will meet in the second round of the 2025/26 Premier League at 12:30 PM (Brasília time) at Craven Cottage in London, England. The highly anticipated match will be broadcast live on ESPN on cable TV and Disney+ via streaming. The clash marks both teams’ pursuit of their first victory this season after contrasting starts: Fulham secured an away draw, while Manchester United suffered a defeat at Old Trafford. The game offers both sides a chance to assert themselves in a fiercely competitive championship, spotlighting the tactical duel between managers Marco Silva and Ruben Amorim.

Fulham comes off a spirited draw against Brighton, sealed with a late goal by Rodrigo Muniz. Meanwhile, Manchester United, under pressure after losing to Arsenal, relies on new signings to turn things around. The match will be officiated by Chris Kavanagh, with Michael Oliver as VAR, ensuring close oversight. Historically, the Red Devils have dominated, winning the last eight games at Craven Cottage, but Fulham aims to challenge that streak at home.

• What to expect: A balanced match, with Fulham leveraging home advantage and United seeking to regain confidence.
• Key players: Rodrigo Muniz for Fulham and Matheus Cunha for United are names to watch.
• Historical note: The last draw at Craven Cottage between the teams was in 2010, a 2-2 result.

The stage is set for a high-intensity game with significant implications for both clubs’ early season campaigns.

Details of the Craven Cottage clash

Craven Cottage, with a capacity of around 29,589 spectators, will host this encounter. Located on the banks of the River Thames, the stadium is renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, especially against giants like Manchester United. Fulham’s supporters, known as “The Cottagers,” are expected to fill the stands, creating a challenging environment for the visitors.

Fulham, led by Marco Silva, showed resilience in their opener by securing a draw against Brighton with a 97th-minute goal from Rodrigo Muniz. The London side relies on a solid defensive pairing of Joachim Andersen and Calvin Bassey, alongside Alex Iwobi’s creativity in midfield. Despite doubts over Antonee Robinson and Ryan Sessegnon, the squad is nearly complete, giving Silva tactical flexibility against United.

Conversely, Manchester United, coached by Ruben Amorim, is still seeking cohesion after integrating new signings like Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, and Benjamin Sesko. Their 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the opener exposed defensive vulnerabilities, worsened by the confirmed absences of Lisandro Martínez and Noussair Mazraoui due to injuries. André Onana, recovered from a tendon issue, is expected to reclaim his spot in goal.

• Stadium capacity: 29,589 seats, with tickets sold out for the match.
• Home factor: Fulham has won only one of their last 10 home games against United.
• Officiating: Chris Kavanagh as referee, with Michael Oliver on VAR.
• Broadcast: ESPN and Disney+ provide full live coverage.

History and rivalry between the clubs

The matchup between Fulham and Manchester United has a lopsided history. The Red Devils lead with 50 wins in 78 Premier League meetings, against Fulham’s 13 victories and 15 draws. Fulham’s last win over United at Craven Cottage was a 3-0 triumph in 2009, a result still celebrated by local fans. Since then, United have won all eight visits to the London stadium, adding pressure on Fulham to break the streak.

Last season, the teams drew 1-1 in the FA Cup at Old Trafford, with Fulham advancing on penalties thanks to two saves by Bernd Leno. That result proved Fulham’s potential to upset, especially in crucial moments. While not as heated as other English rivalries, the matchup gains significance as both teams aim to climb the league table.

• Last meeting: A 1-1 draw in the FA Cup on March 2, 2025.
• Fulham’s biggest win: 3-0 in 2009 at Craven Cottage.
• United’s dominance: Eight consecutive away wins against Fulham.
• Shared player: Andreas Pereira, a former United player, is now a key figure for Fulham.

Key players and tactical expectations

Fulham will rely on a compact setup, with strong midfield marking from Sander Berge and Sasa Lukic. The pace of Harry Wilson and Joshua King on the wings will be vital to exploit potential gaps in United’s defense, which is still adjusting. Rodrigo Muniz, who scored in the opener, is the main goal-scoring hope, building on his growth since his Flamengo days.

Manchester United is expected to play aggressively, with Bruno Fernandes orchestrating the midfield and Matheus Cunha chasing his first Premier League goal. The absence of Lisandro Martínez forces Amorim to field Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt in defense, a pairing still finding its rhythm. Benjamin Sesko’s presence up top adds finishing power, though lack of team cohesion could pose challenges.

Marco Silva emphasized the game’s importance in his press conference: “We played well against Brighton, but we need to be more consistent. Facing United at home is a big opportunity.” Amorim, under scrutiny after the opening loss, said: “We need to react quickly. Fulham is a tough opponent, but I trust our squad’s quality.”

• Fulham’s strategy: Defensive solidity and fast wing transitions.
• United’s strategy: Ball possession and high pressing to force errors.
• Key players: Muniz (Fulham) and Fernandes (United) drive their teams.
• Emotional factor: Fulham’s home crowd could be a game-changer.

Practical information for fans

For fans eager to watch, ESPN and Disney+ are the official broadcast options in Brazil. The match kicks off at 12:30 PM (Brasília time), with pre-game coverage starting at 12:00 PM on ESPN. For those in London, tickets are sold out, but nearby bars and pubs around Craven Cottage will screen the game. The officiating team, led by Chris Kavanagh, is known for its strictness, which could influence the match’s tempo.

• Kickoff time: 12:30 PM (Brasília), 4:30 PM (London local time).
• Broadcast in Brazil: ESPN (cable) and Disney+ (streaming).
• Referee: Chris Kavanagh, with Michael Oliver as VAR.
• Venue: Craven Cottage, London, with a 29,589 capacity.

Match curiosities

The Fulham vs Manchester United clash has its share of notable stories. Founded in 1879, Fulham is one of England’s oldest clubs, while Manchester United is among the world’s most decorated. Andreas Pereira, who played for United from 2014 to 2022, is now a cornerstone for Fulham and faces his former club. Additionally, Craven Cottage’s picturesque riverside location along the Thames makes it a unique Premier League venue.

• Fulham’s foundation: 1879, as Fulham St Andrew’s Church Sunday School.
• United’s record: 13 Premier League titles, the competition’s most successful club.
• Notable player: Andreas Pereira, now a standout for Fulham.
• Unique venue: Craven Cottage is famed for its Thames riverside view.