Manchester United and Fulham played out a 1-1 over the first 120 minutes of their FA Cup fifth round tie at Old Trafford before the visitors triumphed in a penalty shootout.
Sub-par performances from both teams meant the match lacked quality and control throughout with chances few and far between. Man Utd had a couple of close calls in the first half with Rasmus Hojlund turning one wide and Christian Eriksen forcing a save out of Bernd Leno but it was the visitors who struck first.
A corner was United’s undoing yet again as Andreas Pereira’s cross found Rodrigo Muniz who flicked it on to Calvin Bassey to nod in the opener.
Ruben Amorim’s side needed a response and were lacklustre for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Alejandro Garnacho was brought on and helped set up the equaliser sending the ball to Diogo Dalot who pulled it back for Bruno Fernandes to roll home the equaliser.
No more goals followed and the tie was decided by penalties with Bernd Leno saving two spot kicks to send Fulham through.
Relive all the updates from Old Trafford here:
Man Utd vs Fulham LIVE
- Manchester United beaten by Fulham in FA Cup fifth round after penalty shootout
- 71’ GOAL! Fernandes rolls a fine effort past Leno (MUN 1-1 FUL)
- 63’ SHOT! Fernandes shoots from range but Leno denies him (MUN 0-1 FUL)
- 45+1’ GOAL! Bassey converts from corner and puts visitors ahead (MUN 0-1 FUL)
- 36’ CLOSE! Lukic’s header goes over the top (MUN 0-0 FUL)
- 18’ SAVE! Eriksen’s shot is palmed wide by a diving Leno (MUN 0-0 FUL)
- 15’ CHANCE! Hojlund meets Eriksen’s cross but turns the effort wide (MUN 0-0 FUL)
Manchester United FC 4 - 5 Fulham FC
Ruben Amorim’s ‘naïve’ response to FA Cup exit reveals true extent of Manchester United’s fall
20:51 , Mike JonesVictor Lindelof scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup semi-final two years ago. Joshua Zirkzee repeated the feat in the shootout against Arsenal two months ago. But when Bernd Leno twice guessed right, he left two of Manchester United’s previous stars of shootouts devastated and a failing club’s season teetering on the brink of calamity. Only the Europa League can save it, or them, now. Despite Bruno Fernandes’ latest attempt to rescue United, at times almost single-handedly, the holders were ejected from the FA Cup.
It took penalties, it required 120 minutes – or nearer 130 – but the supporters chorusing about going to Wembley were the Fulham faithful, able to dream of a second FA Cup final, half a century after their first. United are going to San Sebastian; if Real Sociedad can overcome them over two legs, this will be a catastrophe of a campaign, utterly irredeemable.
Amorim’s ‘naïve’ response to FA Cup exit reveals true extent of Man Utd’s fall
Manchester City draw Bournemouth as Preston host Villa in FA Cup quarter-finals
20:47 , Mike JonesManchester City are now the overwhelming favourites to go on an win the FA Cup this season following their fifth round victory over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men are the last remaining ‘big six’ club left in the competition after holder Manchester United were knocked out of the tournament by Fulham who triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Manchester City draw Bournemouth as Preston host Villa in FA Cup quarter-finals
Rooney thinks Amorim’s goals are naive
20:40 , Mike JonesHe said: “Managers aren't getting that time over the last 10/15 years.
“You have to be selfish as a manager and say 'okay, if I don't do it now I might not get that time.'
“I think it's a little naive to say they're looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they're a long way off that.”
Rooney on Amorim
20:32 , Mike JonesWayne Rooney spoke about Ruben Amorim on the BBC saying: “I think he'll get time (Amorim). It's not a free hit because he'll expect more from Man Utd then what we're seeing since he's been in.
“It's very difficult to come in during the season and have no pre-season, but he has to look to the future and moving forward.
“He says winning the Premier League, how can they compete? To get further up the table, I think that's the next step for them.”
More from Marco Silva:
20:24 , Mike Jones"The other guys, it's really important. They did it perfectly, with great composure from all of them. They are with a smile on their faces. Fulham fans are really proud of their team. We are there.
"I think yes. I know they had chances but I think we were the best team on the pitch. Our team was on the ball dominating the ball. We deserve to be in the next stage.
"It is going to be a great battle between two good sides [versus Crystal Palace in the next round]. They are in great form away from home. London derby."
Bassey on Leno:
20:15 , Mike Jones“He has been amazing. He has kept us in games so many times. He deserves the recognition.
"We're buzzing and we take each game as it comes.
"That's the best way to take each game. Don't get too down with the losses and don't let the wins get to your head."
Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to BBC:
20:08 , Mike Jones"In some moments we showed very good quality, our identity was there.
“We sorted some things and did much better. we built our attacking moments really well. The way the team played in the second half and all of extra time makes me really proud because we came here and were the dominant team.
“We were brave, we did it in our way. It was a big fight. I love the composure of our own players.”
Amorim on penalty shootout:
20:00 , Mike Jones"I try to relax the players and they know that it is something that is technical but you have to be relaxed and confident.
"The goal is to win the Premier League. I 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. it's impossible to know but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We'll see in the future.
"It's really important but we have to recover the players. They were really tired and we have three days and then here at Old Trafford against Arsenal."
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, speaking to BBC:
19:58 , Mike Jones"It's a privilege and an honour to be here. To come here, it is a blessing, so I'm happy.
"I like to say I'm a bit of poacher. Trying to smell where the ball would go and reacted first. Put my head on it and back of the net.
"They're a very good team with a lot of talent. We tried to take the sting out of the game and control possession.
"They had their chances and sometimes a game goes down to penalties. We had a bit of fortune in the penalties with Leno saving two.
"I am proud of every single player."
Reaction from Ruben Amorim:
19:55 , Mike Jones"We managed to score in the second half after that goal near half-time.
“It's harder for us to go and press a little bit high but we managed to do it and score.
“I think we have the best chances in the game. In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn't our way.
"It is important to say that with the substitutions we had our chance to win the game.
"I think we are better in the first ball than the second ball. I think it is also sometimes the quality of the players. Bruno, Casemiro, and Josh [Zirkzee] are improving a lot.”
'We want to go to Wembley'
19:50 , Mike JonesLeno said: "100%.
“Two-years ago we lost in the quarter final [against Manchester United] and we're in the quarter final again.
"We want to go to Wembley 100%."
Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno, speaking to BBC:
19:45 , Mike Jones"Unbelievable. 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 couple of information, but my feeling is more important. I went the wrong way three times, but credit to our penalty takers - it is not easy.
"Brilliant job from all of us."
Post match thoughts from Micah Richards
19:33 , Mike JonesSpeaking on BBC One Micah Richards said: “I thought at times Fulham didn't do enough, I didn't think they were clinical in the forward areas.
“But they won't care, they held their nerve in the right moment and the penalties were excellent.
“It sums up their season, in the Premier League they have been excellent. They're in the hat for the next round.”
FA Cup draw live
19:28 , Mike JonesWe’ll have some reaction from Old Trafford to come but first it’s time for the FA Cup quarter-final draw which you can follow live here:
FA Cup draw LIVE: Man City, Villa and Preston learn quarter-final fate
Penalties: Man Utd 3-4 Fulham
19:21 , Mike JonesJoshua Zirkzee has to score or else Man Utd are out...
... Leno saves it! Fulham are into the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Manchester United are out!
Penalties: Man Utd 3-4 Fulham
19:20 , Mike JonesAntonee Robinson rolls his penalty into the back of the net.
Fulham are one away from victory!
Penalties: Man Utd 3-3 Fulham
19:20 , Mike JonesIt’s Victor Lindelof stepping up. Another defender for United.
Leno jumps to the right and saves it! Advantage Fulham.
Penalties: Man Utd 3-3 Fulham
19:19 , Mike JonesWillian is up for Fulham and the boos start again from the home fans.
He’s cool though and rolls it into the bottom corner!
Penalties: Man Utd 3-2 Fulham
19:18 , Mike JonesFour fine penalties so far. Now it’s Casemiro’s turn...
... the Brazilian smokes his home too!
Penalties: Man Utd 2-2 Fulham
19:17 , Mike JonesSander Berge to draw Fulham level...
... top corner! All square.
Penalties: Man Utd 2-1 Fulham
19:17 , Mike JonesHere comes Diogo Dalot. Never one to shy away from a shootout.
Dalot goes to the bottom right (Leno’s left) and slots it home!
Penalties: Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:16 , Mike JonesNow it’s the turn of Raul Jimenez who steps up to a chorus of boos from the Man Utd fans.
Jimenez sends his spot kick to Andre Onana’s right and scores just like Fernandes!
Penalties: Man Utd 1-0 Fulham
19:15 , Mike JonesBruno Fernandes is up first for Manchester United. He’s got to beat Bernd Leno of Fulham...
... Fernandes goes to the goalkeeper’s right and scores!
Penalties: Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
19:14 , Mike JonesThe match officials are going through the pre-shootout proceedings and talking to the captains about what will happen.
The atmosphere is both nervous and lively inside the ground.
The shootout will be in front of the Stretford End and United will go first.
'Penalties'
19:10 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Penalties.
“This guess is that United's five takers will be Fernandes, Garnacho, Casemiro, Dalot and Zirkzee.”
ET full-time! Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:09 , Mike Jones120+1 mins: Willian sweeps the ball straight into the hands of Andre Onana.
United look to storm up the pitch but they can’t force a winner.
The tie will be decided by penalties.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:08 , Mike Jones120 mins: Fulham win a free kick in a dangerous area after Mazraoui fouls Raul Jimenez.
Willian has the ball at his feet and will take this one. It could be the last chance for either team to win this game...
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:05 , Mike Jones117 mins: Fulham’s corner is cleared away but the visitors are having their moment.
They come forward but Zirkzee wins back the ball and earns a free kick just inside the opposition’s half.
Fernandes’ cross comes into the box but Fulham deal with it without too much of an issue.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:01 , Mike Jones114 mins: This half of extra time is more fraught and intense than the rest of the match.
Neither team look like they want this game to go to penalties.
Heaven turns the ball out for a Fulham corner. Chance for the visitors to put United under pressure.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
19:00 , Mike Jones111 mins: Mazraoui nicks the ball off Robinson and slips it to Casemiro.
The midfielder shoots and tries to curl an effort into the right side of the goal.
He hits it well enough but sends the effort wide.
'Chido Obi having impressive outing'
18:58 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Extra time is turning this into Chido Obi's longest outing for United's senior side and quite an impressive one.
“He has a willingness to run in behind the defence and a confidence, two things Rasmus Hojlund lacks; perhaps understandably, given how long his goal drought is.
“Whatever happens now, it will be interesting if Amorim starts Obi against Real Sociedad on Thursday.”
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:57 , Mike Jones108 mins: Penalty shout!
Garnacho goes down in the box under a tackle from Willian but the referee tells play to go on.
VAR is available for this match but doesn’t go against the on field decision.
ET half-time! Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:51 , Mike JonesEverything remains the same. United ended that half strongly and could force a winner yet.
15 minutes to go.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:50 , Mike Jones105 mins: Save!
Obi forces his way to the byline to get after a dropping ball.
He shoots and forces a save out of Bernd Leno.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:46 , Mike Jones102 mins: Fernandes floats a long free kick into the penalty area and finds Ayden Heaven. He gets a head to the ball but turns it wide of goal.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:44 , Mike Jones99 mins: Zirkzee looks to spin on the edge of the box but he manages to keep hold of possession after a fine tackle.
The ball is rolled to Fernandes who slips a pass into the feet of Obi but the teenager can’t control it in time to take a shot.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:43 , Mike Jones96 mins: A dainty left-footed chip from Casemiro sends Garnacho in behind the lines.
He’s forced out to the left side of the box and smokes a shot into the side netting from a tight angle.
ET Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:36 , Mike Jones93 mins: Ayden Heaven makes his Manchester United debut as he comes on to replace Harry Maguire for extra-time.
The teenager slots in on the left side of the back three with Victor Lindelof moving into the middle.
Extra-time! Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:35 , Mike JonesFulham get the ball rolling for the next 30 minutes.
After this it’ll be a penalty shootout if the score remains the same.
'Extra time.'
18:32 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Extra time.
“A draw feels about right over the 100 minutes but, one way or another, there will have to be a winner.
“It became ragged at the end of normal time, with United's lack of a midfield offering an opportunity for Fulham to run at them, and Andre Onana made a terrific save from Emile Smith Rowe.
“But United have defended well and might have won it with Alejandro Garnacho or Chido Obi in the 100th minute.”
Full-time! Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:29 , Mike Jones90+10 mins: Two late chances for United. Garnacho first pokes his effort at goal but can’t beat Leno.
Then Obi has a go and can’t get it on target.
Into extra-time we go.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:26 , Mike Jones90+8 mins: There was a late start to these added minutes so there’ll be another couple to play.
Long balls, aerial passes and some physical play in the final third are all on display but there hasn’t been a decisive goal... yet.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:24 , Mike Jones90+4 mins: Save!
Alex Iwobi brings the ball forward then cuts inside and rolls a pass across to Emile Smith Rowe.
Smith Rowe shoots but Andre Onana makes a fine stop low down to his right side.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:21 , Mike Jones90 mins: Eight minutes of added time to play at the end of this game.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:18 , Mike Jones89 mins: Lukic fouls Zirkzee high up the pitch and United win a free kick in a dangerous area. Can they make it count?
Bruno Fernandes has the ball. The penalty area is crowded as the cross comes in. Harry Maguire gets there but his header is easily scooped up by Bernd Leno.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:16 , Mike Jones86 mins: We need a spark of creativity or desire.
Something to bring this match to an undeserved thrilling conclusion.
It doesn’t seem like it’ll happen though, extra-time feels like a given here.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:12 , Mike Jones83 mins: In truth this hasn’t been the best of games.
The goals were both decent but in between there hasn’t been a lot to celebrate.
Still time for someone to force a winner and earn their spot in the next round.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:08 , Mike Jones80 mins: Fernandes helps United clear their lines after Fulham increase the pressure on the hosts.
He finds Garnacho who turns, cuts inside then laces a tame effort into the hands of Leno.
Despite that effort Fulham are the ones pressing the issue and look more dangerous.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:06 , Mike Jones78 mins: A Fulham corner is whipped into the box and comes to Joachim Andersen over by the far post.
He gets a head to the ball and nods it over the top of the crossbar.
Man Utd 1-1 Fulham
18:05 , Mike Jones75 mins: 15 minutes to go in this game. Will there be a winning goal or is this tie going to go to extra time?
Joshua Zirkzee took a knock to the back of the net and needed a minute to recompose himself.
He’s fine to play on for United though.
'A moment for Fernandes to cherish'
18:04 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“A moment for Bruno Fernandes to cherish, even if Roy Keane may have mixed feelings.
“Criticised by one of United's greatest captains this week, Fernandes - for the third time in nine days - has helped turn a game around after United trailed.
“He scored their first goal against Everton and set up all three against Ipswich.
“Now he has equalised.”
GOAL! Man Utd 1-1 Fulham (Bruno Fernandes, 71')
18:00 , Mike JonesAll square.
What a goal this is from Man Utd. Garnacho gets the ball out wide and slips it to Dalot on the wing.
Dalot pulls it back into the box where Bruno Fernandes guides it wonderfully into the far bottom corner.
Game on.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:59 , Mike Jones70 mins: Fulham win a corner that is delivered into the box by Andreas Pereira.
Onana comes out and punches it off the nose of Victor Lindelof.
The visitors recover the ball and look to maintain possession.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:57 , Mike Jones69 mins: Rasmus Hojlund and Christian Eriksen are taken off now for Man Utd with is Chido Obi and Casemiro are brought on.
Can the teenager spark some life into Ruben Amorim’s team?
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:54 , Mike Jones66 mins: Save!
Smith Rowe gets into the action with a short run along the edge of the penalty then fizzes a low effort towards goal.
Andre Onana drops to his right and fumbles the ball but somehow manages to keep it out.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:50 , Mike Jones63 mins: Garnacho darts past Timothy Castagne on the left wing and tries to drive United forward.
His resultant cross isn’t great and the ball flies through to safety.
The hosts need to find another level.
Bruno Fernandes takes a shot from range but Leno has it covered and drops low to smother the ball.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:48 , Mike Jones60 mins: Nearly!
Fernandes picks out Garnacho with a simply pass and the Argentine rolls it off to Dalot.
Dalot sends a left-footed effort into the box and finds Noussair Mazraoui whose header is nailed into the floor and bounces up kindly for Bernd Leno.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:45 , Mike Jones57 mins: Christian Eriksen curls a teasing ball into the penalty area but no Man Utd players can reach it.
'United only have seven players on the bench'
17:45 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Some recurring themes of Ruben Amorim's reign so far: Manchester United failed to score in a first half, conceded first and conceded from a corner.
“Amorim is entitled to point out they have made a few comebacks and scored some late goals.
“They need another response now.
“But on a bench with only seven players, two of them goalkeepers, he is turning to Alejandro Garnacho and... Victor Lindelof.”
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:42 , Mike Jones53 mins: Yep. Changes aplenty.
Smith Rowe is on for Traore with Garnacho and Victor Lindelof replacing Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:40 , Mike Jones51 mins: Adama Traore is down and needs a bit of treatment from the medical team.
Marco Silva is preparing his substitutes with Emile Smith Rowe getting stripped.
Alejandro Garnacho is getting prepared for United during this pause as well.
Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:38 , Mike Jones48 mins: Man Utd have started the second half on the front foot.
They need to be more ruthless and clinical in the final third and take some risks.
Ruben Amorim won’t want his team exiting the competition at this stage.
Second half! Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:34 , Mike JonesNo changes from either manager at the break. Manchester United have slim options to bring on today.
Bruno Fernandes kicks off the second half with the hosts trailing by a goal thanks to Calvin Bassey’s opener.
How will this match go from here?
HT Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:33 , Mike JonesFormer England striker, Alan Shearer, on BBC One:
“That [goal] sums Manchester United up. They lose two headers with what I would say is a pretty simple ball to deal with.
“Having said that, the movement of the Fulham players was excellent. Manchester United are slow to react, they have to be quicker.”
HT Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:30 , Mike JonesEarlier today, Brighton earned their spot in the quarter-finals after a victory over Newcastle.
A penalty for Alexander Isak sent the Magpies into the lead before Yankuba Minteh equalised just before the break.
Anthony Gordon and Tariq Lamptey were both shown red cards before the end of the 90 minutes and Danny Welbeck ended up as the hero with an extra-time strike.
HT Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:25 , Mike Jones
Half-time! Man Utd 0-1 Fulham
17:18 , Mike JonesA huge team talk coming up for Ruben Amorim as he looks to turn this scoreline around.
Fulham have struck first and can now hold on to their lead.
GOAL! Man Utd 0-1 Fulham (Calvin Bassey, 45+1')
17:17 , Mike Jones45+1 mins: Right at the end of the first half Fulham strike!
Andreas Pereira swings a corner ball into the box and the first header is won by Rodrigo Muniz.
He nods it on to the back post where Calvin Bassey arrives and heads the ball into the back of the net.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
17:14 , Mike Jones42 mins: Fulham are driving the agenda at the end of this half and looking for an opening.
United need to dig deep and make sure their head into the break on level terms.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
17:11 , Mike Jones39 mins: Back-to-back corners from United put a bit of pressure on Fulham’s goal.
Bruno Fernandes takes the second one and curls the ball into the six-yard area.
Bernd Leno punches it away as far as Joshua Zirkzee. He sends the ball back in but Fulham clear their lines again.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
17:09 , Mike Jones36 mins: Chance!
Sasa Lukic could have put Fulham into the lead! Alex Iwobi receives the ball out on the left and lifts a teasing effort into the box.
Lukic makes his run from deep but gets to the ball first and nods it high and wide!
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
17:05 , Mike Jones33 mins: Mazraoui has to deal with an aerial ball into the box and boots it out for Fulham’s first corner of the game.
United haven’t been great at defending set pieces but Onana confidently catches the ball as it is swung into the box.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
17:02 , Mike Jones30 mins: Half an hour played and no proper clear cut chances yet. Man Utd have sent a couple of exploratory shots Bernd Leno’s way but none that you’d say have to be scored.
The teams both look fairly even and the first goal could decide the outcome.
'It's interesting watching Eriksen'
17:00 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“It's interesting watching Christian Eriksen, who is both playing as a No 10 but also not.
“He has hardly been in the penalty area and is nowhere near as advanced as Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund but has put in a couple of dangerous crosses and is also dropping back into midfield out of possession as 3-4-3 becomes 3-5-2.”
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:59 , Mike Jones27 mins: An error strewn period of play ends with United winning a free kick.
Eriksen floats the ball into the far side of the box and Harry Maguire is offside as he leaps to win a header.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:57 , Mike Jones24 mins: Manuel Ugarte goes in the book after Matthijs de Ligt carelessly gives the ball away.
Andreas Pereira dribbles towards the box and is clipped but Ugarte who is forced to bring him down.
This is a dangerous position for Fulham. Sasa Lukic is standing over the set piece.
He breathes out and drills the shot into the wall.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:52 , Mike Jones21 mins: Ruben Amorim is down on his haunches and encouraging his players to keep going.
Man Utd have started this game well enough though there’s been promising moments for Fulham who do look dangerous when trying to counter.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:49 , Mike Jones18 mins: Save!
Dalot has created most of United’s chances so far. Another one comes from a quick throw as he sends the ball to Eriksen.
Eriksen spins away from a distracted Adama Traore before curling a shot towards the far post.
Bernd Leno is wary and leaps to the left to push the ball wide. Strong save from the Fulham goalkeeper.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:45 , Mike Jones15 mins: Chance!
Dalot slips Christian Eriksen down the line and the midfielder fizzes a fine pass into the penalty area.
Rasmus Hojlund squeezes ahead of Calvin Bassey and gets to the loose ball only to turn it wide of the near post.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:44 , Mike Jones14 mins: Save! Another switch of play from United sees them work the ball out to Dalot who takes it forward.
The hosts send it across to Bruno Fernandes who takes a touch to control the ball then fizzes a low effort towards the near post from the right.
It’s struck well but Bernd Leno gets in behind and keeps the ball out.
'There's a cracking atmosphere at Old Trafford'
16:43 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“There is a cracking atmosphere at Old Trafford, which isn't always the case.
“Just wonder if one reason is that, awful as United's season has been, the FA Cup offers an opportunity.
“If there is a big eight these days, five of them - Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham and now Newcastle - are already out.
“But it gives a chance to Fulham, too, and the Premier League table suggests they are a better side than United.
“It has been an even start so far and the battle between Adama Traore and Diogo Dalot could be well worth watching.”
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:42 , Mike Jones12 mins: Antonee Robinson makes a decent run down the left side and receives a pass.
He carries it to the byline and looks to get around Noussair Mazraoui before lifting a pass into the box.
There’s a slight deflection which means the ball drops kindly to Andre Onana.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:39 , Mike Jones9 mins: Adama Traore is a quick boy. He comes down the right side as Christian Eriksen sprints back to help out the United defence.
Traore puts the ball into the penalty area but sends it straight down the throat of Andre Onana who clings onto it.
Fulham are now starting to get to grips with the game and keep possession.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:37 , Mike Jones6 mins: Matthijs de Ligt sprays a lovely pass out to the left wing and he perfectly picks out Dalot.
This time the wingback cuts inside and looks to lift a pass into the box but Sasa Lukic blocks it with his chest and works the ball clear for Fulham.
A decent start for the hosts.
Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:34 , Mike Jones3 mins: Diogo Dalot has a bit of space on the left wing and goes for a run with the ball.
His attempted cross is blocked and smoked clear by Joachim Andersen.
No nonsense defending from the centre-back.
Kick off! Man Utd 0-0 Fulham
16:32 , Mike JonesSasa Lukic gets the ball rolling at Old Trafford for this FA Cup tie.
Fulham have not knocked United out of this tournament since the very first meeting between these sides in the tournament. The match was played in 1908.
United win an early free kick and look to build from the back.
Man Utd vs Fulham
16:26 , Mike JonesHere come the players.
Manchester United have beaten Fulham twice this season in the Premier League and will be confident about earning another win tonight despite a poor form at home.
Fulham have been enjoying a fine season in the league and will be confident about securing a place in the next round.
Kick off at Old Trafford is up next...
Pre-match thoughts of Marco Silva
16:21 , Mike JonesThe Fulham boss said: “It’s very, very important for us. When I first spoke about it I said it is a very important competition for us.
“We have been showing that we are going to give our maximum to the competition and we want to be in the stage.
"We are playing against the team who won last season, but we are here to fight to play in the quarter-finals."
Man Utd tend to go deep in FA Cup
16:20 , Mike JonesManchester United have progressed from each of their last 14 FA Cup fifth round ties, since losing 1-0 to Liverpool in 2005-06.
Indeed, the Red Devils have reached the quarter-final of the competition in nine of the last 10 campaigns.
Fulham vs FA Cup holders
16:15 , Mike JonesThis is the fourth time Fulham are facing the holders of the FA Cup in the competition, being eliminated on each of the previous three occasions (4-5 v Newcastle in 1955-56, 1-2 v West Brom in 1968-69 and 0-4 v Man City in 2019-20).
Can United salvage season?
16:10 , Chris WilsonWhile United are languishing in 14th in the league, the FA Cup holders harbour hope of salvaging the 24/25 season with progress in this competition and the Europa League.
Though a place in the quarter-finals of this competition would be valuable in itself, the club will likely be targeting the Europa League considering that winning that competition would award them a place in next season’s Champions League.
Ruben Amorim’s side face Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Europa League, with clubs including Spurs and Athletic Bilbao as their main rivals for the trophy.
Interestingly, Spurs are current favourites to win the Europa League, though the English sides cannot meet each other until the final.
Fulham in unlikely Champions League chase?
16:05 , Chris WilsonFulham have been one of the surprise packages in the Premier League this season, and they currently sit in ninth in the table, but just five points behind Manchester City in fourth.
While the top five may be a reach for Silva’s side, they are certainly in the hunt for European football next season.
The Cottagers have a difficult end to the season ahead though, facing both of the top two as well as direct European rivals in Brighton, Bournemouth, Chelsea and Villa.
European football could well come to the final day, when they face Manchester City at home.
Qualification to the Europa League would mark a return to a competition that has provided some of their most famous nights, such as when they romped to a 4-1 home win (and 5-4 aggregate victory) over Juventus in the semi-finals of what was then the Uefa Cup in 2009/10.
Head-to-head
16:00 , Chris WilsonThese two sides have met a total of 63 times in the past, with United winning 43, Fulham winning eight and 12 ending as draws.
United won both meetings 1-0 in the league this season, though Fulham managed to grab a late 2-1 win in the league this time last year.
The Cottagers have lost the last three FA Cup matches 3-1, 4-1 and 4-0 respectively.
Amorim on Garnacho being benched
15:56 , Mike JonesThe Man Utd boss said: "Garnacho had an issue last game so we are using Eriksen because he is fit.
“We have Garnacho on the bench if we need him because it is a game that decides if we go into the next stage. We are going to try to use the characteristics of Chris which is quite different from Garnacho.
"The substitution (last game) was clear, he paid for the dinner and he's ready to go. He's working really well so I hope he continues to have an impact if we need it in the game."
'Man Utd have been happy with the FA Cup draw'
15:55 , Richard Jolly at Old Trafford“Manchester United may have been happy with the FA Cup draw.
“Fulham are one of the few teams they have beaten twice this season - along with Southampton, perhaps inevitably, and Leicester, who they beat twice in Ruud van Nistelrooy's caretaker stint alone.
“Yet both were close games and required a late winner. Fulham have only won one of their last 21 against United. They may feel they are due a success today.
“It wouldn't help if, as happened two years ago in the FA Cup, they get three red cards at Old Trafford.”
Matthijs de Ligt claims Man Utd ready for ‘most important phase of season’
15:50 , Chris WilsonMatthijs de Ligt is ready to fight for trophies as Manchester United enter the “most important phase” of their season to forget.
The Red Devils have tasted their fair share of lows in the 12 years since Sir Alex Ferguson bowed out as a champion, but this campaign has been the nadir for a club dealing with issues on and off the field.
De Ligt did not expect to be scrapping in the bottom half when he joined from Bayern Munich in the summer, but the defender believes Ruben Amorim’s side can still end the season on a high.
Matthijs de Ligt claims Man Utd ready for ‘most important phase of season’
Amorim make two changes
15:48 , Mike JonesRuben Amorim has put Alejandro Garnacho on the bench for today’s meeting with Fulham.
The line-up is similar to the one used against Ipswich last time out but Patrick Dorgu is suspended and is replaced with Noussair Mazraoui.
Christian Eriksen is called on in place of Garnacho.
Can United win again?
15:44 , Mike JonesManchester United have lost just one of their last 21 meetings with Fulham in all competitions (W17 D3).
They’ve beaten them 1-0 in both Premier League meetings this season.
Man Utd vs Fulham
15:39 , Mike JonesManchester United have progressed from their last nine FA Cup ties against Fulham since a 2-1 quarter-final defeat in 1908.
Fulham team to take on Man Utd
15:33 , Mike JonesFulham XI: Leno; Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berger, Lukic; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
Your Fulham at Old Trafford. ⚪️#MUNFUL pic.twitter.com/ESTXihEMnw
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 2, 2025
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