Manchester United vs Fulham LIVE: FA Cup result and reaction as Cottagers progress through penalty shootout
United’s disappointing season goes on as they were knocked out of the FA Cup
Manchester United and Fulham played out a 1-1 over the first 120 minutes of their FA Cup fifth round tie at Old Trafford before the visitors triumphed in a penalty shootout.
Sub-par performances from both teams meant the match lacked quality and control throughout with chances few and far between. Man Utd had a couple of close calls in the first half with Rasmus Hojlund turning one wide and Christian Eriksen forcing a save out of Bernd Leno but it was the visitors who struck first.
A corner was United’s undoing yet again as Andreas Pereira’s cross found Rodrigo Muniz who flicked it on to Calvin Bassey to nod in the opener.
Ruben Amorim’s side needed a response and were lacklustre for the first 20 minutes of the second half. Alejandro Garnacho was brought on and helped set up the equaliser sending the ball to Diogo Dalot who pulled it back for Bruno Fernandes to roll home the equaliser.
No more goals followed and the tie was decided by penalties with Bernd Leno saving two spot kicks to send Fulham through.
Relive all the updates from Old Trafford here:
Ruben Amorim’s ‘naïve’ response to FA Cup exit reveals true extent of Manchester United’s fall
Victor Lindelof scored the winning penalty in the FA Cup semi-final two years ago. Joshua Zirkzee repeated the feat in the shootout against Arsenal two months ago. But when Bernd Leno twice guessed right, he left two of Manchester United’s previous stars of shootouts devastated and a failing club’s season teetering on the brink of calamity. Only the Europa League can save it, or them, now. Despite Bruno Fernandes’ latest attempt to rescue United, at times almost single-handedly, the holders were ejected from the FA Cup.
It took penalties, it required 120 minutes – or nearer 130 – but the supporters chorusing about going to Wembley were the Fulham faithful, able to dream of a second FA Cup final, half a century after their first. United are going to San Sebastian; if Real Sociedad can overcome them over two legs, this will be a catastrophe of a campaign, utterly irredeemable.
Amorim’s ‘naïve’ response to FA Cup exit reveals true extent of Man Utd’s fall
Manchester City draw Bournemouth as Preston host Villa in FA Cup quarter-finals
Manchester City are now the overwhelming favourites to go on an win the FA Cup this season following their fifth round victory over Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.
Pep Guardiola’s men are the last remaining ‘big six’ club left in the competition after holder Manchester United were knocked out of the tournament by Fulham who triumphed 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Manchester City draw Bournemouth as Preston host Villa in FA Cup quarter-finals
Rooney thinks Amorim’s goals are naive
He said: “Managers aren't getting that time over the last 10/15 years.
“You have to be selfish as a manager and say 'okay, if I don't do it now I might not get that time.'
“I think it's a little naive to say they're looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they're a long way off that.”
Rooney on Amorim
Wayne Rooney spoke about Ruben Amorim on the BBC saying: “I think he'll get time (Amorim). It's not a free hit because he'll expect more from Man Utd then what we're seeing since he's been in.
“It's very difficult to come in during the season and have no pre-season, but he has to look to the future and moving forward.
“He says winning the Premier League, how can they compete? To get further up the table, I think that's the next step for them.”
More from Marco Silva:
"The other guys, it's really important. They did it perfectly, with great composure from all of them. They are with a smile on their faces. Fulham fans are really proud of their team. We are there.
"I think yes. I know they had chances but I think we were the best team on the pitch. Our team was on the ball dominating the ball. We deserve to be in the next stage.
"It is going to be a great battle between two good sides [versus Crystal Palace in the next round]. They are in great form away from home. London derby."
Bassey on Leno:
“He has been amazing. He has kept us in games so many times. He deserves the recognition.
"We're buzzing and we take each game as it comes.
"That's the best way to take each game. Don't get too down with the losses and don't let the wins get to your head."
Fulham boss Marco Silva, speaking to BBC:
"In some moments we showed very good quality, our identity was there.
“We sorted some things and did much better. we built our attacking moments really well. The way the team played in the second half and all of extra time makes me really proud because we came here and were the dominant team.
“We were brave, we did it in our way. It was a big fight. I love the composure of our own players.”
Amorim on penalty shootout:
"I try to relax the players and they know that it is something that is technical but you have to be relaxed and confident.
"The goal is to win the Premier League. I know that we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don't know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what. it's impossible to know but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We'll see in the future.
"It's really important but we have to recover the players. They were really tired and we have three days and then here at Old Trafford against Arsenal."
Fulham defender Calvin Bassey, speaking to BBC:
"It's a privilege and an honour to be here. To come here, it is a blessing, so I'm happy.
"I like to say I'm a bit of poacher. Trying to smell where the ball would go and reacted first. Put my head on it and back of the net.
"They're a very good team with a lot of talent. We tried to take the sting out of the game and control possession.
"They had their chances and sometimes a game goes down to penalties. We had a bit of fortune in the penalties with Leno saving two.
"I am proud of every single player."
Reaction from Ruben Amorim:
"We managed to score in the second half after that goal near half-time.
“It's harder for us to go and press a little bit high but we managed to do it and score.
“I think we have the best chances in the game. In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn't our way.
"It is important to say that with the substitutions we had our chance to win the game.
"I think we are better in the first ball than the second ball. I think it is also sometimes the quality of the players. Bruno, Casemiro, and Josh [Zirkzee] are improving a lot.”
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