FA Cup 2024/25: Manchester United eliminated as Fulham win on penalties

New Delhi: Fulham eliminated Manchester United from the FA Cup fifth round at Old Trafford, extending their miserable season. The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of ordinary play, and Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils lost 4-3 after failing to win a penalty shootout, as they had done against Arsenal in the third round. You’d think that an FA Cup fifth-round match at Old Trafford would be the catalyst for Amorim’s Manchester United to finally wake up, as it may be the only realistic way for the team to guarantee European football the following season.

But the 13-time Premier League champions’ scripts aren’t written the same way anymore, especially when it comes to quick starts and first-half quality of any type. The only goal United managed in the first half was a close-range effort from Rasmus Hojlund, which went over the crossbar from outside the front post following a low cross from Christian Eriksen. The Red Devils were left clinging to a semi-positive dynamic on the left between Eriksen, who played further forward, and Diogo Dalot.

As the half went on, Fulham gained momentum and had more and more possession of the ball. They may have had the first goal of the game when Sasa Lukic miscalculated and headed Alex Iwobi’s center wide. However, that sadness was short-lived as Bassey opened the scoring after a Fulham corner caused an inevitable United break in focus. A former Ajax defender, who reacted much faster than Noussair Mazraoui, flicked the ball past Andre Onana after Rodrigo Muniz moved away from his opponent with ease and his flicked header was converted home at the back post.

Old Trafford belongs to Bernd Leno tonight. 🧤 pic.twitter.com/aqMW8VQadf

— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 2, 2025

So close, yet so far for United!

Alejandro Garnacho was one of four substitutes made by Amorim before United realized they needed to get back into a cup match. With 20 minutes left, Fernandes usually delivered the great moment, skillfully putting Dalot’s low cross into the far corner without making contact. Garnacho’s pace gave United a boost, but neither he nor Emile Smith Rowe of Fulham, who forced a fingertip save from Onana, could stop the game from extending into the next half.

As extra time began, Garnacho shot into Leno’s side netting, but Chido Obi made a great save with his fingertips, denying United the lead this time. Onana was compelled to save the hosts at the opposite end by Ryan Sessegnon, another substitute. Penalties were ultimately required to determine who would advance to the round of eight, with Fulham ultimately winning when Leno denied Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Lindelof.

 Manchester United’s FA Cup journey came to a crashing halt as Fulham delivered a stunning performance to eliminate the Red Devils from the competition.  Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today