Manchester United’s disappointing season continued as they were knocked out of the FA Cup fifth round by Fulham at Old Trafford. The Red Devils, managed by Ruben Amorim, were unable to repeat their penalty shootout success from the third round against Arsenal and ultimately lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw following 120 minutes of play.
Fulham took the lead just before halftime through Calvin Bassey, who capitalized on a corner to put his team ahead. Manchester United responded in the second half with a goal from Bruno Fernandes, leveling the score.
However, neither side could find a winner in extra time, and Fulham’s goalkeeper Bernd Leno emerged as the hero in the penalty shootout, making crucial saves to secure his team’s passage to the next round.
How the Match Unfolded
With the FA Cup representing Manchester United’s best chance of securing European football next season, this was a crucial opportunity for Amorim’s side to make a statement. However, in keeping with their struggles this season, the Red Devils once again failed to produce a dominant start or display any real quality in the first half.
Their best opportunity of the opening 45 minutes came when Rasmus Hojlund found himself in a promising position after a low cross from Christian Eriksen. However, his close-range effort was fired over the crossbar, squandering what was a rare attacking moment for United. The home side’s most encouraging play came from the left flank, where Eriksen—playing in a more advanced role—linked up with Diogo Dalot.
As the first half progressed, Fulham grew in confidence, gaining more possession and threatening Manchester United’s defense. They had a great chance to take the lead when Sasa Lukic met a cross from Alex Iwobi, but his mistimed header went wide. However, Fulham didn’t have to wait long for their breakthrough.
A lapse in United’s concentration from a corner allowed Rodrigo Muniz to escape his marker and flick a header toward goal. Calvin Bassey reacted quicker than United’s Noussair Mazraoui and guided the ball past Andre Onana to give Fulham the lead just before the halftime whistle.
In response, Amorim made four substitutions, including bringing on Alejandro Garnacho in an attempt to turn the game around.
The equalizer eventually came in the 70th minute, courtesy of Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese midfielder expertly finished a low cross from Dalot, placing the ball into the far corner without needing a first touch.
United showed more urgency after that, with Garnacho adding a much-needed spark. However, despite some late chances, including a fingertip save from Onana to deny Emile Smith Rowe, the match went into extra time.
During the additional 30 minutes, Garnacho came close again, firing into the side-netting, while Chido Obi forced another fine save from Leno. At the other end, Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon tested Onana, who had to make a crucial stop to keep United in the game.
Ultimately, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Unlike their success in the third round against Arsenal, Manchester United failed to hold their nerve this time. Leno made the difference for Fulham, producing key saves as the visitors triumphed 4-3 on penalties, sending United crashing out of the competition.
