Palhinha boost for Fulham as they gear up for Manchester United test in FA Cup

Fulham welcome back Joao Palhinha from suspension as they bid to upset the odds and knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup this weekend.

The Portuguese midfielder has sat out the last two matches after accruing 10 bookings and his absence was keenly felt in back-to-back derby defeats against Brentford and Arsenal.

Marco Silva’s side shipped three goals in each of those reverses and lacked any intensity or snarl to their play as the Gunners ran riot in a one-sided first half at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard scored in the first period to kill off the contest.

Palhinha, who has made the most tackles in the top flight this season, will restore some much-needed bite in the middle of the park. But the question is how long will that be the case, with the 27-year-old summer signing linked earlier this week with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham.

Silva’s name has also cropped up in connection with Spurs, as a contender to replace Antonio Conte.

He has 12 months left on his Fulham contract after this season but he has previously had a reputation for job-hopping in English football. His stock is undoubtedly high after keeping the Whites comfortably clear of relegation danger and even being talked about as contenders to clinch European football.

If that is to become a reality then Silva’s side will need to tighten up at the back.

Leeds’ profligacy helped Fulham progress in the FA Cup and they have not truly impressed in the 1-1 draw against Wolves or the two recent reverses.

Attacking midfielder Luke Harris, 18, has signed a new contract until at least 2026.

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD