Manchester United have been knocked out of the FA Cup after losing a penalty shootout against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Unfortunately for Manchester United, the defence of the FA Cup has come to a premature end, with last season’s winners knocked out in the fifth round.
Ruben Amorim’s side were dealt a blow on the brink of half-time when Calvin Bassey made it 1-0. It took United a long time to claw their way back into the game, with Bruno Fernandes netting the equaliser after 71 minutes of play.
Fernandes’ goal gave United something to push on for towards the end but the two teams couldn’t be split in 90 minutes or extra time.
A penalty shootout followed with Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro scoring from the spot.
Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee missed their penalties to cost United a place in the quarter-finals.
Manchester United concede first again
United keep keep making life hard for themselves by conceding the first goal in games. That was the case again today as United were undone by another set piece.
Calvin Bassey found space in the box to give The Cottagers the lead on the stroke of half-time.
It was a bad time to concede the goal as it put United on the back-foot at the break. This gave Amorim’s side more work to do in the second half.
Rasmus Hojlund’s goal drought extends to 18 matches
It was another game to forget for Rasmus Hojlund, who was unable to have an impact on the game in the 68 minutes he lasted on the pitch.
The Danish striker touched the ball just 9 times throughout his appearance, managing just one shot on goal. He doesn’t seem to make life hard enough for opposing defenders and that is becoming a huge concern.
Hojlund hasn’t scored in 18 matches and his replacement – Chido Obi – did more on the pitch.
Worrying first half trend for Manchester United
United have now gone 19 first halves without a goal from open play.
The Reds did not look a bit threatening in the first 45 minutes against Fulham and this is a trend fans can see developing in United’s first team.
Amorim must find a way to get his team going quicker in games.
Alejandro Garnacho injected energy to United’s play
The starting line-up didn’t feature Alejandro Garnacho, who was named on the bench by Amorim after storming down the tunnel in United’s 3-2 win over Ipswich Town.
A dire first half followed and Amorim wasted no time bringing Garnacho on after 51 minutes of play. The Argentina international replaced Manuel Ugarte and you could quickly see the difference his pace would make to United’s attack.
Garnacho brought energy down the left flank and he should be starting games in this team. He gives the the team an outlet when in possession of the ball.
United reliant on Bruno Fernandes again
When United need salvation, Fernandes steps up and it was that case again today with the Portugal international scoring the equaliser at 1-1. It was a perfect finish, guided into the net first time, as Fernandes converted a low cross from Dalot.
Fernandes inspired the comeback win over Everton recently, and it was him again today after his goal transformed the atmosphere at Old Trafford and gave the team some hope. It was his 25th goal contribution of the season (11 goals 14 assists).
The Portuguese Magnificio scored from the penalty spot too.
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