Claudio Ranieri has told his Fulham players that the club needs "soldiers" if they are to avoid relegation this season.

The Cottagers are second bottom and five points from safety.

It doesn't get any easier for them this weekend as they face Manchester United at home, and Ranieri has called on his players to fight for victory.

He said: "We know where we are, we know it's very tough and we need soldiers who fight until the end.

"We are ready to fight. I have to motivate them and give my positivity to our players. It's much better to play at home than away. It's very important to achieve points against this team."