Manchester United will host Fulham on Sunday looking to gain momentum ahead of the FA Cup final.
Manchester United sealed qualification for next season’s Champions League with a 4-1 thrashing of beleaguered Chelsea on Thursday.
Erik ten Hag became just the fifth Manchester United manager in the club’s illustrious history to finish inside the top-four in his first season.
Casemiro, Anthony Martial, Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford were on target as the Red Devils moved up to third in the Premier League.
A miserable night summed up Chelsea’s season despite spending over £500 million in the transfer market as they slumped to an eighth defeat in 10 games since Frank Lampard returned as interim manager.
United winger Antony was then forced off on a stretcher with an ankle injury that will make him a major doubt for the FA Cup final in 10 days’ time.
“Next week is going to be big and we will do everything in our power,” Ten Hag told Sky Sports.
“We have to get well prepared and give us the best chance to get the cup.”
“We’re still not where we want to be but we’re back in the Champions League and I think that was a really important step,” Ten Hag said.
He might rest a few players on the final day too which adds a complexity to this fixture.
The Cottagers were “disappointed” to drop points in a 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace last time out according to boss Marco Silva, with that result guaranteeing they’ll finish tenth, their best season-ending position in the top-flight since 2012.
Fulham have already endured one nightmare visit to Old Trafford this season, with three red cards and a lengthy suspension to talisman Aleksandar Mitrović proving a painful way to exit the FA Cup. That sinking feeling has become familiar against United too, as Fulham haven’t won an away at Old Trafford since October 2003.
They’ve not beaten the Red Devils on any ground since December 2009 (D3, L13).