Fulham head coach Alvaro Arbeloa has expressed confidence that his side can secure a victory against Manchester United in their Premier League clash on Sunday afternoon, despite both teams struggling at the start of the season.

The match, scheduled for 4:30 p.m., sees two clubs attempting to reverse disappointing early form. Manchester United, currently 13th in the league after four games, have matched their joint-worst start to a Premier League campaign. This mirrors their performances under Ruben Amorim last season as well as during the 1992/93 season under Sir Alex Ferguson. Interim manager Michael Carrick, who replaced Amorim in January and led United to a third-place finish, has faced intensified scrutiny since being appointed permanently in May.

United’s difficulties were compounded by a notable League Cup defeat at home to Brighton & Hove Albion on Wednesday, where they squandered a two-goal lead and ultimately lost. This result has fueled pressure on Carrick and his squad.

Fulham are also enduring a challenging start under their new head coach, who took over this season. The Cottagers remain without a win in the top flight so far, contributing to the high stakes of Sunday’s fixture.

Despite these challenges, Arbeloa emphasized his belief in his team’s ability to compete with and defeat Manchester United. He noted the quality of United’s squad but insisted that Fulham could prevail if they perform at their highest level from the outset, similar to the effort displayed in their recent away game at Anfield.

“We are preparing for the game against Man United, and we are still believing that we can beat them, if we do a very good match from the first minute,” Arbeloa stated. He acknowledged the significance of facing a club of United's stature and the necessity of executing a performance at their best level to claim victory.

Both teams are under pressure to improve results as they seek to shift momentum early in the campaign. The encounter at Craven Cottage represents a key opportunity for Fulham and Manchester United to gain crucial points and restore confidence in their respective seasons.