Manchester United vs Fulham FA Cup Preview

• Fulham to qualify
• Muniz to score

Defending FA Cup champions Manchester United will be aiming to keep their title defence alive as they host Fulham in the fifth round of the competition at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s side progressed controversially against Leicester City, while Marco Silva’s Cottagers narrowly edged past Wigan Athletic in the previous round.

Despite United’s struggles in the league, they have a strong recent FA Cup record, winning their last 14 consecutive fifth-round ties since being eliminated by Liverpool in the 2005-06 season.

However, Fulham arrive in fine form, winning four of their last five games in all competitions, and they have already troubled United in league action this season.

With Fulham’s strong away record and United’s defensive frailties, an upset could be on the cards, especially if Silva’s men continue their goal-scoring exploits on the road.

Key Stats & Facts

• Manchester United have won their last 14 FA Cup fifth-round ties.
• Fulham are unbeaten in their last four away matches, scoring at least twice in each of them.
• Manchester United haven’t kept a home clean sheet since December 1.
• Marco Silva’s side have already played United twice this season, losing both matches 1-0.
• Fulham last defeated United at Old Trafford in 2003.

Manchester United: Can They Keep Their Cup Defence Alive?

It’s been a turbulent season for Ruben Amorim since his appointment, with United languishing 14th in the Premier League standings. Their only realistic route to European qualification is via a cup victory, so the FA Cup and Europa League will be prioritised.

A controversial 2-1 win over Leicester in the fourth round saw Harry Maguire score the winner from an offside position, with no VAR available to overturn the goal.

That same aerial threat was on display in United’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town in midweek, where Maguire once again came to the rescue.

However, Manchester United’s home form has been alarming, with five league defeats at Old Trafford this season – the most since the 1962-63 campaign. With a depleted squad, they must find a way past a confident Fulham team.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Premier League: Manchester United 3-2 Ipswich – Win
• Premier League: Manchester United 1-1 Wolves – Draw
• FA Cup: Manchester United 2-1 Leicester – Win
• Premier League: West Ham 2-1 Manchester United – Loss
• Premier League: Manchester United 0-2 Tottenham – Loss

Key Player: Bruno Fernandes (Midfielder)

• Scored a free-kick in the comeback win against Everton.
• United’s leader in chance creation and set-piece danger.
• Will be pivotal in breaking down Fulham’s midfield.

Fulham: Can They Spring a ‘Cupset’?

Marco Silva’s side have been one of the Premier League’s surprise packages this season, pushing for European football while maintaining a strong cup run.

A 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic in the fourth round saw Rodrigo Muniz score twice, and he was the hero again in midweek, securing a late 2-1 victory over Wolves with a composed finish.

Fulham are dangerous on the road, winning four consecutive away matches and scoring at least twice in each of them. Their only recent loss came against Newcastle, but they responded impressively.

A tricky test awaits at Old Trafford, where they haven’t won since 2003, but with United’s injury concerns and Fulham’s confidence high, they will believe in their chances.

Recent Form (All Competitions)

• Premier League: Fulham 2-1 Wolves – Win
• Premier League: Fulham 2-0 Crystal Palace – Win
• FA Cup: Fulham 2-1 Wigan – Win
• Premier League: Newcastle 2-1 Fulham – Loss
• Premier League: Fulham 3-1 Nottingham Forest – Win

Key Player: Rodrigo Muniz (Forward)

• Scored four goals in his last three matches.
• Scored twice in the previous FA Cup round vs Wigan.
• In red-hot form and expected to lead the line.

Team News & Possible Lineups

Manchester United Team News

• Patrick Dorgu is suspended after his red card against Ipswich.
• Lisandro Martinez (ACL), Amad Diallo (ankle), Luke Shaw (calf), Jonny Evans (back), and Mason Mount (thigh) remain out.
• Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayindir are also expected to miss out.
• Noussair Mazraoui could return to the starting XI to cover for Dorgu.

Fulham Team News

• Sasa Lukic is suspended in the league but available for the FA Cup.
• Emile Smith Rowe (ankle), Reiss Nelson (thigh), Harry Wilson (foot), and Kenny Tete (knee) are all out.
• Rodrigo Muniz is expected to start ahead of Raul Jimenez.

Head-to-Head Record (Last Five Meetings in All Competitions)

Key Trends

• Manchester United have won their last four meetings with Fulham.
• Fulham haven’t won at Old Trafford since 2003.
• Manchester United won the last FA Cup clash in 2023 (3-1).

Match Prediction

While Manchester United’s home record this season is shaky, they have a strong history against Fulham and have proven themselves in cup competitions despite their league struggles.

However, Fulham’s recent away form is excellent, and their ability to score goals consistently on the road makes them a real threat.

This game could go the distance, but given United’s defensive weaknesses and Fulham’s attacking momentum, an extra-time upset is possible.

Final Score Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Fulham (After Extra Time)

• Fulham to continue their impressive away form.
• Rodrigo Muniz to score again.
• Manchester United to struggle defensively.
• Fulham to edge it in extra time.

For more info on this game, you may also visit:
Fixtures – Emirates FA Cup – Competitions | The Football Association