Manchester United’s FA Cup title defense ended in dramatic fashion as Fulham secured a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Bernd Leno emerged as the hero for the visitors, saving crucial penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee.
Manchester United had initially taken the lead through a Bruno Fernandes penalty, but a late equalizer from Calvin Bassey forced the game into extra time. Despite several chances in the additional 30 minutes, neither side could find the winner, setting the stage for Fulham’s historic triumph in the shootout. This result sends Fulham to their first FA Cup quarter-final since 1908, where they will face Crystal Palace.
Manchester United Struggle as Fulham Punish Wastefulness
Manchester United, plagued by inconsistency in the Premier League, saw their FA Cup hopes dashed in a chaotic contest at Old Trafford. The home side dominated possession and created more chances but failed to convert their opportunities. Rasmus Højlund and Christian Eriksen both had early efforts saved by an inspired Bernd Leno, who kept Fulham in the game.
Despite a sluggish start, Fulham grew into the match. The visitors’ persistence paid off when Calvin Bassey capitalized on a set-piece routine in first-half injury time, heading past André Onana to silence the United faithful. The goal marked only Bassey’s third for the club and his second at Old Trafford, proving his effectiveness against the Red Devils.
Bruno Fernandes gave Manchester United hope in the second half, finishing clinically from a Diogo Dalot cut-back to level the match in the 71st minute. However, despite their late pressure, United couldn’t break down a resolute Fulham defense, forcing the game into extra time.
Leno’s Heroics Secure Fulham’s Place in History
While Manchester United had several chances to snatch victory in extra time, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno delivered a goalkeeping masterclass. He denied Alejandro Garnacho and substitute Emile Smith Rowe, ensuring the match reached a penalty shootout.
In the tense shootout, Fulham showed nerves of steel. They converted all four of their spot-kicks, while United faltered under pressure. Lindelof saw his penalty saved before Zirkzee, visibly emotional, missed the decisive kick, sealing United’s fate.
Marco Silva’s side had endured penalty heartache earlier in the season, losing to Preston in a Carabao Cup shootout. However, they exorcised those demons in Manchester, delivering a composed and clinical performance when it mattered most.
Manchester United’s Season Spirals Further Into Crisis
This latest setback adds to the growing turmoil at Manchester United. Already struggling in the Premier League, where they sit outside the top four, the FA Cup was seen as a potential lifeline for manager Ruben Amorim. Now, with their cup defense over, the pressure on Amorim intensifies as Manchester United’s only remaining route to European football next season is through the Europa League.
The club has also faced internal turmoil, with backroom staff redundancies and growing dissatisfaction among fans over the ownership situation. Protests against the Glazer family and Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ticket pricing policy were evident during the match, highlighting the discontent at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s home form has also been a cause for concern. They have now lost seven matches at Old Trafford under Amorim, a worrying statistic for a team that once prided itself on its fortress-like home advantage.
What’s Next for Fulham and United?
Fulham’s remarkable cup run continues, and they will now face Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals, scheduled for March 29-30. This victory provides a much-needed morale boost for Marco Silva’s men, who have been inconsistent in the league but have found inspiration in the FA Cup.
For Manchester United, the focus now shifts to their Europa League campaign and an uphill battle to salvage their Premier League season. With crucial matches ahead, Amorim must rally his squad to prevent further disappointment.
As the dust settles on another dramatic FA Cup night, Fulham celebrate a historic achievement, while United are left to reflect on another missed opportunity in a season filled with frustration.
