Manchester United’s hopes for a trophy this season now rest on the Europa League after they were defeated by Fulham in a penalty shootout in the FA Cup. Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, saved penalties from Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Lindelof, ensuring Fulham’s victory and their first FA Cup elimination of United in 117 years. Fulham, managed by Marco Silva, felt they deserved the win at Old Trafford, having played well enough to reach the shootout where their penalty kicks were perfect.
Manchester United, led by Ruben Amorim, now must win the Europa League to qualify for European competition next season. Failure to do so would mean their second season without European football since 2014-15. To avoid this, especially with their Europa League campaign continuing against Real Sociedad on Thursday, they need to find consistency, something they lacked in this game and throughout the season.
In the beginning of the match, Manchester United played sluggishly against a Fulham team that kept them at bay. In the first half, United didn’t concede much, but a familiar weakness hurt them when Rodrigo Muniz headed on a corner to Calvin Bassey, who scored easily.
It took some time for Manchester United to increase their intensity and challenge Fulham. However, substitute Alejandro Garnacho quickly made a difference. He drew defenders, creating space for Diogo Dalot on the left side. Dalot’s cross reached Bruno Fernandes in the box, and Fernandes scored with a left-footed shot past Leno.
After equalizing, Manchester United created more chances. 17-year-old Chido Obi got into good shooting positions, opportunities that Rasmus Hojlund had struggled to find earlier. Leno, Fulham’s goalkeeper, made a strong save to deny Obi his first senior goal. Garnacho continued to be dangerous, forcing Leno into two more saves.
Ultimately, Manchester United’s late pressure was not enough to beat Leno in goal. After six successful penalties from each team, Lindelof’s penalty was too central and saved. Antonee Robinson of the USA then scored confidently for Fulham, meaning Zirkzee had to score to keep United in it. However, Zirkzee, who was a hero in a previous shootout against Arsenal, was not accurate this time, and Leno saved his attempt.
Fulham will now play Crystal Palace at home in the next round. With Manchester City being the only remaining “big six” Premier League team left in the competition, Fulham can dream of winning their first major trophy. Manchester United now know that the Europa League is their only chance for silverware in the remaining months of the season.
