Manchester United vs Fulham FA Cup Report
Scorers: Fernandes 71’; Bassey 45+1’
Penalties scored: Fernandes, Dalot, Casemiro; Jimenez, Berge, Willian, Robinson
Penalties missed: Lindelof, Zirkzee
Fulham pulled off a stunning FA Cup upset at Old Trafford, defeating defending champions Manchester United on penalties after a 1-1 draw following extra time.
Bernd Leno’s heroics in the shootout secured a 2-4 penalty victory, piling more misery on United’s difficult season under Ruben Amorim.
First Half: Bassey Heads Fulham in Front
A largely uneventful first half saw both sides struggle to create clear-cut chances, with Manchester United seeing most of the ball but failing to test Leno significantly.
However, just before the break, the visitors struck first through Calvin Bassey. A well-delivered corner found the Nigerian defender unmarked, and he nodded home a close-range header in first-half stoppage time to give Fulham the lead heading into HT.
Second Half: Fernandes Strikes Back
Manchester United emerged with greater urgency after the break, and Bruno Fernandes led the charge.
After squandering a couple of half-chances, the Portuguese playmaker found the equaliser in the 71st minute with a well-placed first-time finish inside the box.
United pushed for a winner, but both goalkeepers stepped up in crucial moments. Leno denied Alejandro Garnacho with a fine save, while Andre Onana kept out Emile Smith Rowe’s attempt at the other end. Neither side could find a breakthrough, and extra time was needed.
Extra Time: Stalemate Forces Penalties
Despite both teams pushing forward, the 30 minutes of extra time failed to produce a winner. Leno and Onana continued to be in top form, denying late efforts from Rodrigo Muniz and Joshua Zirkzee.
The deadlock meant a penalty shootout was required to decide who would progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
Penalty Shootout: Leno the Shootout Star
Leno emerged as the match-winner, producing stunning saves to deny Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee. Meanwhile, Fulham converted all four of their penalties, with Willian, Andreas Pereira, Adama Traoré, and Joël Veltman finding the net.
When Zirkzee missed United’s fourth spot-kick, it confirmed Fulham’s victory, eliminating the FA Cup holders and securing a famous triumph for Marco Silva’s side.
What’s Next?
- Fulham: Marco Silva’s side progress to the FA Cup quarter-finals, continuing their impressive season.
- Manchester United: A dreadful campaign gets worse, with another trophy slipping out of reach. Amorim’s side must now focus on their battle for a European spot in the Premier League.
For more info on this game’s outcome, you may also visit:
Fixtures – Emirates FA Cup – Competitions | The Football Association