Manchester United Eliminated from FA Cup After Penalty Shootout Loss to Fulham

Manchester United’s FA Cup journey ended in disappointment as they suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Fulham at Old Trafford. The match concluded with a 1-1 draw after extra time, leading to a tense shootout where Fulham prevailed 4-3.

Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, emerged as the hero, saving penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee. Despite United converting their initial three penalties, Leno’s heroics secured Fulham’s progression to the next round, where they will face Crystal Palace at home.

Match Summary

The game saw Fulham taking the lead in first-half stoppage time through Calvin Bassey, who capitalized on a corner. Manchester United struggled to respond until Bruno Fernandes equalized in the 71st minute, converting a cross from Diogo Dalot.

Both teams had opportunities to win the game in normal and extra time, with 17-year-old Chido Obi coming close for United, only to be denied by an outstanding save from Leno.

Penalty Shootout Details

• Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd) – Goal (1-0)
• Raul Jimenez (Fulham) – Goal (1-1)
• Diogo Dalot (Man Utd) – Goal (2-1)
• Sander Berge (Fulham) – Goal (2-2)
• Casemiro (Man Utd) – Goal (3-2)
• Willian (Fulham) – Goal (3-3)
• Victor Lindelof (Man Utd) – Saved (3-3)
• Antonee Robinson (Fulham) – Goal (3-4)
• Joshua Zirkzee (Man Utd) – Saved (3-4)

Player Ratings

Manchester United: Onana (5), Mazraoui (6), Yoro (6), Maguire (6), De Ligt (6), Dalot (7), Fernandes (7), Ugarte (5), Eriksen (6), Hojlund (5), Zirkzee (5). Subs: Lindelof (5), Garnacho (7), Casemiro (6), Obi (7), Heaven (6).

Fulham: Leno (8), Castagne (6), Andersen (6), Bassey (7), Robinson (7), Berge (7), Lukic (7), Traore (5), Pereira (6), Iwobi (6), Muniz (6). Subs: Smith Rowe (7), Willian (6), Jimenez (6), Reed (n/a), Sessegnon (n/a).

Player of the Match: Bernd Leno.

Amorim’s Post-Match Comments

Manchester United’s head coach, Ruben Amorim, addressed the team’s performance and future goals in post-match interviews. He reiterated his ambition to win the Premier League, despite the current challenges.

“The goal is to win the Premier League,” Amorim stated. “I know we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what.”

Amorim also responded to criticism from former Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney, who deemed Amorim’s Premier League title aspirations as “naive.” Amorim defended his position, emphasizing the club’s long-term goals.

“Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me but our goal as a club, the board, is winning the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and the legends of this club,” Amorim explained.

Looking Ahead for Manchester United

With the FA Cup exit, Manchester United’s focus shifts to the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad. Amorim acknowledged the need for player recovery and preparation for the upcoming challenges.

The defeat adds to the frustrations for Manchester United supporters, who witnessed their team struggle for consistency throughout the match. The team’s build-up play was unconvincing, and key players appeared to lack confidence.