Fulham Knock Defending Champions Manchester United Out of the FA Cup in Penalty Shootout

Fulham secured a dramatic victory over defending FA Cup champions Manchester United, defeating them 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The result sees Fulham advance to the quarter-finals of the competition, marking their second such appearance in three seasons.

First Half: Bassey Strikes for Fulham

Fulham took the lead just before half-time, with Calvin Bassey heading home from a corner in the 45th minute. The goal stunned the home crowd, as Manchester United struggled to break down a well-organized Fulham defense in the opening half. Despite United's possession, Fulham's defensive discipline paid off, and they entered the break with a 1-0 lead.

Second Half: Fernandes Restores Parity

United came out stronger in the second half, determined to avoid an early FA Cup exit. They were rewarded in the 65th minute when Bruno Fernandes equalized, converting a low cross from Marcus Rashford. The goal ignited hope for the home side, but Fulham remained resilient, holding off several United attacks. Despite United's dominance in terms of shots and possession, the game ended 1-1 after 90 minutes.

Extra Time and Shootout Drama

With nothing separating the teams after normal time, the match headed into extra time, where United continued to press for a winner. However, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno produced key saves, and United's Andre Onana kept his side in the game with a series of impressive stops, sending the contest to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, United looked strong initially, with Fernandes, Rashford, and Martinez converting their spot-kicks. But Leno came alive when it mattered most, saving consecutive penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee. Fulham, clinical in their own penalties, sealed the victory when Andreas Pereira coolly converted the decisive kick.

Key Stats: United Dominate but Fall Short

Manchester United registered 20 shots throughout the match, nine of them on target, and generated an expected goals (xG) tally of 1.47. Fulham, despite having 59% of the possession, were less threatening in attack, with only 12 shots and an xG of 0.85. However, it was Fulham's defensive grit and ability to execute under pressure that ultimately saw them through to the next round.

Implications: Pressure Mounts on Amorim, Fulham March On

For Manchester United, this early FA Cup exit marks their earliest as defending champions since the 1996-97 season, when they were eliminated in the fourth round. This defeat adds to the pressure on manager Rúben Amorim, whose hopes of silverware now rest solely on the Europa League, where United will face Real Sociedad in the last-16 first leg on Thursday.

Fulham, meanwhile, continue their impressive cup run under Marco Silva. The Cottagers have now reached the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in two of the last three seasons, a feat they managed just twice between 2004 and 2022. Fulham's next focus will be on their Premier League clash with Brighton on Saturday as they aim to build on this momentum.

In a match full of drama, it was Fulham who emerged victorious, knocking out the holders Manchester United and advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals. With their penalty shootout triumph, Fulham continue to prove their mettle under Silva, while United face questions about their season’s trajectory.