Erik ten Hag is about to do something at Man United he's done twice before - but he doesn't want to

If Manchester United's supporters are anticipating a flying start against Fulham on Friday night, recent history shows they should not get too carried away.

United have been slow starters in each of their first two Premier League campaigns under Erik ten Hag, losing their opening two games in 2022/23 and limping their way to a fortunate 1-0 victory over Wolves in their opening game last season.

The Reds were second best for long spells against the Black Country outfit in last season's curtain-raiser, conceding 23 shots. Had Wolves remembered to pack their shooting boots, United would have started the season with another home defeat.

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United, just as they did in 2022 and 2023, head into their season opener as favourites to get off to a winning start. Although results have been indifferent in recent weeks, performances during pre-season, plus at Wembley on Saturday, have been encouraging.

However, scoring goals has not come naturally for Ten Hag's men, highlighted by their tally of seven from their six warm-up matches. United worked some terrific openings against Manchester City in the Community Shield but only found the back of the net once, highlighting just how big a hole Rasmus Hojlund leaves up front.

The Dane is going to miss the start of the season after suffering a hamstring injury in pre-season. He faces up to six weeks out, meaning the earliest he could return is September.

United bolstered their attack last month, swooping for Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna. However, he has since admitted that he is not a direct replacement for Hojlund, insisting he