What’s the difference between an optimist and a pessimist? The former believes it can get worse.Therefore, we sincerely hope that Manchester United’s fanbase lacks optimism because things could get really nasty at Old Trafford if it gets worse than this.They are about to face Fulham at their ground in the FA Cup on Sunday afternoon and the win is more than obligatory for Ruben Amorim’s side. They’re nine points adrift of the Cottagers in the Premier League and in the series of dreadful results, with a single victory in the last four EPL games.Relegation battle at Old Trafford. And no, no one’s jokingThat ultimate win over Ipswich Town has probably affected the team positively ahead of today’s clash. However, in case of elimination, the Red Devils would hit the very low by saying farewell to this season, with their last chance of redemption being the UEFA Europa League.Regarding Fulham, United have triumphed on both occasions when they previously met this season (1-0 and 1-0). Last year was a whole different story, with the Craven Cottage outfit winning both skirmishes.According to Manchester Evening News, Mazraoui is expected to start for the suspended Dorgu and Eriksen for Hojlund. Those two should be the only changes compared to that Ipswich tie. Eriksen has been underused since recovering from illness, but he could play a key role in today’s cup tie.##NAJAVA_MECA_8745669##Emile Smith Rowe’s appearance is doubtful for the game, as more than half a dozen of United’s players are sidelined due to an injury and unavailable for this important clash (Evans, Martinez, Diallo, Shaw, Mount, Mainoo…).FA CUP – ROUND 5Friday Aston Villa – Cardiff 2-0 (0-0)/Asensio 68, 80/Saturday Crystal Palace – Millwall 3-1 (2-1)/Tanganga 33 og, Munoz 40, Nketiah 81 – Harding 45+13/Preston – Burnley 3-0 (2-0)/Brady 31, Osmajic 44, Keane 73/Bournemouth – Wolverhampton 5-4 on pen (1-1)/Evanilson 30 – Cunha 60/Man.City – Plymouth 3-1 (1-1)/O’Reilly 45+1, 76, De Bruyne 90 – Talovierov 38/Sunday 16.45: (2.15) Newcastle (3.50) Brighton (3.30)19.30: (2.35) Man.Utd. (3.40) Fulham (3.00)Monday 22.30: (1.75) Nott.Forest (3.60) Ipswich (4.90)***odds are subject to change***
