Fulham v Manchester United: Chris Sutton's predictions

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

This week, he takes on singer-songwriter Willie J Healey, who is a Chelsea fan.

Sutton's prediction: 1-1

You cannot blame Manchester United's owners for their team's poor form - their players are not thinking about any boardroom uncertainty when they are out on the pitch.

Erik ten Hag has spent £411m on players since he took charge at Old Trafford before the start of last season and, for that amount of money, the team should be doing far better than they are.

I like Ten Hag - he seems a decent man and he did well last season - but he is under serious pressure now. 'Erik ten games' is what I called him last week, and that was being optimistic.

United won at Craven Cottage in November last year, but that was the only win they managed in London under Ten Hag in seven attempts in 2022-23, and they have already lost twice in the capital in the current campaign.

All things considered, I should really predict another United defeat, shouldn't I? There is nothing whatsoever that tells me to back them.

But, with regards to Fulham, they don't appear to be quite at the same level they were at last year, especially in attack. That's the only reason I am going for a draw.

Next up for United is a midweek trip to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League, and then Luton come to Old Trafford next weekend.

Including this game, you would normally expect United to put all three of these teams away. If the results don't go to plan, this is where things could really start to unravel for Ten Hag.

Willie's prediction: 1-1

I changed my mind on this one a couple of times. United are in a bit of a lull and Fulham have been playing pretty well, especially at Craven Cottage, so a home win might be what most people might go for.

At the same time, though, this feels like a game where United could play pretty badly but still somehow get a win over the line... so, maybe I should play safe and go for a draw.