Manchester United’s FA Cup Dreams Dashed by Fulham in Penalty Shootout
Manchester, England — The week that was supposed to be a turning point for Ruben Amorim and his Manchester United squad has instead begun with a bitter setback. With two crucial cup games on the horizon, the first against Fulham in the FA Cup fifth round and the second against Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16, there was hope that something could be salvaged from what has been a challenging season. However, Fulham had other plans, and after a tense 1-1 draw that extended over 120 minutes, it was Marco Silva’s side that emerged victorious, winning 4-3 on penalties. The holders, Manchester United, saw their FA Cup journey end as Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee missed from the spot.
For Amorim, this cup exit closes yet another door, and the pressure on Thursday’s trip to San Sebastian has intensified. The Europa League not only offers a trophy but also a coveted place in next season’s Champions League. Winning it could transform this season into something resembling a success. However, based on their performance against Fulham, which lacked any real cutting edge in key moments, achieving that goal is easier said than done.
Amorim reflected on the match, saying, “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way. We know that 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.”
He added, “It’s impossible to know, but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We’ll see in the future.”
Amorim’s frustration is palpable, as he seems to be taking one step forward and two steps back in his tenure at Old Trafford. In his program notes before the game, he praised his coaching staff for “improving in how we defend set-pieces in recent weeks.” Yet, in a twist of irony, Fulham scored from a set piece at the end of one of United’s better first halves under his management.
It appeared to be a questionable decision to award a corner, but that doesn’t excuse the ease with which Rodrigo Muniz flicked it on for Calvin Bassey to nod it home at the back post. Manuel Ugarte, who lost Muniz’s run, and Noussair Mazraoui, who was marking Bassey, won’t want to see a replay.
- United have conceded the first goal in five consecutive matches.
- In Amorim’s 24 games in charge, United have conceded the first goal 16 times.
- United have failed to score from open play in 19 consecutive first halves.
Amorim’s list of problems is extensive. Among other issues, he was only able to name seven substitutes instead of the permitted nine, with two of those being young goalkeepers.
It’s fortunate for Amorim that Bruno Fernandes is so durable. Despite recent criticism from former captain Roy Keane, the Portuguese midfielder continues to prove himself as United’s most important player. While he may not rank alongside Keane or Paul Scholes as one of the club’s greatest ever midfielders, he is undoubtedly the star of this team.
Fernandes was the one who brought United level in the second half, skillfully whipping Diogo Dalot‘s cross into the bottom corner. The technique was exquisite, yet he made it look simple.
Fernandes now boasts six game-changing goals this season — three winners and three equalizers — and has more goals (11) and assists (12) than anyone else on the team. He confidently stepped up first in the penalty shootout, rifling his shot into the net in front of the Stretford End. However, he can’t do it all on his own, and in the absence of 11 Brunos, both Lindelof and Zirkzee saw their efforts saved by Bernd Leno. The Fulham keeper was outstanding, making key saves from Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi to keep the game level.
“Unbelievable,” Leno said after the win. “I think we deserved to win after 90 minutes. Of course, penalties, it is sometimes a lottery and luckily, we won. The goalie coach told me a couple of informations, but my feeling is more important.”
Fulham now have a quarterfinal against Crystal Palace to look forward to. For Amorim, it’s Europa League or bust.
The Portuguese coach has lost 10 of his 25 games since replacing Erik ten Hag in November. United are refusing to consider that he could be under pressure so early into his tenure, but there was an acceptance before the defeat to Fulham that the cup competitions are important — both in terms of extending interest in the season and providing a pathway into Europe.
Languishing 14th in the Premier League table and now out of the FA Cup, United are left with just the Europa League. A pivotal week in Amorim’s short reign rests on Real Sociedad.
Originally Written by: Rob Dawson
