Manchester United’s defence of the FA Cup is over after Fulham held out to win a dramatic penalty shootout at Old Trafford in the fifth round after the sides drew 1-1.
The first half was drab and neither side looked capable of creating clear chances, before Fulham pounced on a defensive error shortly after the break. Rodrigo Muniz glanced on Andreas Pereira’s corner and Calvin Bassey reacted faster than Noussair Mazraoui to redirect the ball past Andre Onana.
United reacted with changes, introducing Alejandro Garnacho, whose direct running disturbed Fulham. Their persistence was rewarded, when captain Bruno Fernandes struck a brilliant first-time effort to beat Bernd Leno and restore parity after the break.
With opportunities for either side late, including a near miss from United substitution Chido Obi and crucial interventions from both Onana and Leno in extra time, neither team could muster a winner.
A total of the first six penalties were converted in the shoot-out, and Lindelof then had his saved by Leno. Antonee Robinson tucked away his penalty coolly and, when Joshua Zirkzee failed with a decisive kick, it was United’s exit that was sealed.
Fulham progress to the last eight, further denting United’s hopes of a trophy under Ruben Amorim.
