Gary Neville names Man Utd ‘imbalance’ which Fulham can exploit in opening Premier League game of the season

Fulham travel to Old Trafford in the first top-flight game of 2024-25 (Picture: Getty)

Gary Neville has named a Manchester United ‘imbalance’ which Fulham can exploit on Friday, in the first game of the 2024-25 Premier League season.

The Red Devils are looking to improve on a dissapointing eighth-placed finish last term as Erik ten Hag prepares for his third season in charge at Old Trafford.

First up is Marco Silva’s Fulham, who have strengthen their squad this summer, with the west Londoners bringing in the likes of Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal.

Former United defender Neville feels there are two areas Fulham could target – the first being whoever the home side play at left-back – given Luke Shaw’s injury.

The second area in which Fulham can take advantage is United’s weak attack, with the Cottagers outscoring Ten Hag’s men in the Premier League last season.

‘There is still an imbalance in some parts of the team that need to get better,’ Neville told Sky Sports ahead of United’s opening top-flight match of 2024-25.

‘There are worries with Luke Shaw, who is now injured, at left-back. Who is going to play there?

Fulham may look to take advantage of Man Utd’s weak attack (Picture: Getty)

‘Potentially up front too, if Rasmus Hojlund does continue with his injury. United are short up there.’

Ten Hag, meanwhile, has been speaking about United’s hopes for the new season and said: ‘I am very pleased with the new structure.

‘We are working very good together. The team was always good but I think we can make steps forwards.

‘I think from pre-season, and also today, we can take positives but I think if we step up and are more clinical in both boxes, then we can be a successful team.’

United lost to Manchester City on penalties in the 2024 Community Shield on Saturday.

There were particularly worrying performances from Marcus Rashford and Mason Mount in the Wembley clash.