After Luton Town, Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag absolutely loves playing Fulham. So far from four fixtures, three Premier League and one FA Cup, the Red Devils have emerged victorious on all occasions.
Nevertheless, no game in the league is an easy one, as Manchester United fans know all too well this season already.
Saying this, the game has got a whole lot easier with a suspension that came to fruition on Saturday.
Joao Palhinha out of Manchester United clash
In Fulham’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Joao Palhinha was yellow-carded in the 86th minute.
This was his 10th booking of the season, meaning that he is now serving a two-game suspension, which conveniently for Manchester United is their clash next Saturday.
Good news for United, and very bad news for Fulham.
Joao Palhinha is the best tackler in the Premier League
Palhinha is an absolute monster. There’s a reason Bayern Munich were desperate to sign him in the summer and a reason he’s hot on the radar of many other clubs – including Manchester United.
He’s established himself as one of the best in the business in England’s top flight, but even if you don’t take our word for it, the proof is in the pudding.
According to Sofa Score, Palhinha is by far and away the best tackler in the league. He averages 4.8 tackles a game, a Premier League high. Dominance.
Tackles per game Premier League 23/24
- Joao Palhinha: 4.8
- Vinicius Souza: 3.9
- Joao Gomes: 3.4
- Yves Bissouma: 3.2
- Nicolas Dominguez: 3.2
He’s Fulham’s core, and without him, they’re not the same – perfect for when they visit Manchester.
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