The Red Devils only have the Europa League to fight for now after yet another disappointing display on Sunday
Manchester United's season went from bad to worse as they were sent crashing out of the FA Cup after losing a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford. Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee botched their spot-kicks as the visitors ran out 4-3 winners in the shootout, despite United winning the coin toss and kicking first in front of the Stretford End.
A brilliant Bruno Fernandes strike cancelled out Calvin Bassey's first-half header, but the teams couldn't be separated after extra-time. And despite winning their previous shootouts against Arsenal this season and in the semi-finals against both Brighton in 2023 and Coventry City in 2024, United could not keep their nerve from 12 yards.
The first half was even but uninspiring, and Fulham grabbed the lead right before the break when Bassey headed home from a corner, deepening United's woes from set-pieces. It was the 13th goal the Red Devils have conceded this season from corners, more than any other Premier League team.
Amorim threw on Alejandro Garnacho early in the second half and the Argentine gave the team some much needed spark, but it was Fernandes who made the difference, slotting into the bottom corner after Diogo Dalot, released by Garnacho, had rolled the ball across the box. Fulham continued to cause problems, though, and it took two fine saves from Andre Onana to prevent substitute Emile Smith Rowe from scoring.
Chido Obi's arrival from the bench brought a sense of chaos and he looked gloriously raw, terribly mis-controlling a Fernandes pass but still fashioning three chances, as he twice missed the target from close range before being denied by Bernd Leno. Onana made another good save in the extra-period to keep out Ryan Sessegnon, but couldn't reach any of the penalties while Leno saved twice.
It meant United lost their first FA Cup tie outside of the 2023 final since they were knocked out in the fourth round in 2022 on spot-kicks by Middlesbrough. And their only hope of getting back into Europe is to win the Europa League, which feels completely beyond them.
GOAL rates United's players from Old Trafford…
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Andre Onana (6/10):
Had a near miss when he spilled Castagne's cross but recovered. Did well to repel two low drives from Smith Rowe and to thwart Sessegnon in extra-time, but couldn't get close to any of the penalties.
Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):
A loose pass was intercepted and led to Ugarte fouling Pereira to limit the damage. Got big cheers for a vital tackle on Pereira and an important clearance, while his meaty tackles in extra-time had fans on their feet.
Harry Maguire (5/10):
Looked a little leggy, slow to 50/50s and his passing was a bit off, such as when a sloppy ball risked a Fulham breakaway before Fernandes recovered. Helped De Ligt out by clearing the danger with Muniz lurking. Taken off injured at the end of normal time.
Leny Yoro (5/10):
Showed some ambitious passing but his defensive frailties were on display when he switched off for the opening goal.
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Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):
Didn't look comfortable at wing-back, rarely causing any danger. He also lost Bassey for the goal.
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
His passing was hit and miss, although he seemed exasperated with his team-mates' inability to latch on to his balls. Taken off for Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte (5/10):
Teed up Fernandes for an early chance. Put out a fire by fouling Pereira and took a booking for it, leading to him being taken off early in the second half.
Diogo Dalot (6/10):
Had a shaky start but grew into the game and linked up well with Garnacho on the left, setting up Fernandes' goal with a cut-back. Took his penalty well.
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Bruno Fernandes (7/10):
The only player to trouble Leno in the first half, and he always looked like being the one to dig United out of the hole before producing a splendid first-time finish to equaliser.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10
His near-post miss underlined his lack of confidence amid a run of 18 games without a goal, as did the moment when he neglected to challenge Bassey for a loose ball, infuriating fans. His substitution for Obi was greeted by loud cheers. albeit mostly for the player who was coming on.
Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):
Fought hard to win the second balls and in his pressing while his link play was good. But loses a mark for his poorly-taken penalty.
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Victor Lindelof (4/10):
Nearly got his side in trouble with a sloppy pass out and rarely looked comfortable. His penalty was poor, but given his form he shouldn't have been allowed to take one.
Alejandro Garnacho (6/10):
Gave United some much needed urgency and had a hand in the equaliser. His shooting, however, left a lot to be desired.
Chido Obi (6/10):
Created more danger than Hojlund has for much of the season. Troubled Bassey but miscued and could have scored right before the end of normal time. Denied by Leno in extra-time.
Casemiro (6/10):
Did a decent job blocking Fulham's path through the middle and played some nice passes over the top to attack.
Ayden Heaven (7/10):
An excellent debut in extra-time, dealing with everything Fulham threw at him.
Ruben Amorim (5/10):
Not starting Garnacho looks an error, although his substitutions largely worked well. Now the whole season rests on winning the Europa League.