Manchester United are into the FA Cup semi-finals after coming from behind to beat Fulham at Old Trafford.
Here is a look at five things we learned from the game…
Lethargic United lack spark and go behind
Last Sunday we saw Manchester United labour to a 0-0 draw with Southampton, able to pin the poor performance on being reduced to 10 mean in the first half.
There was no excuse this time around. Erik ten Hag‘s side were poor, lacking spark, and the crowd was flat as a result for one of the worst opening 45 minutes of the season.
Fulham came out for the second half looking stronger and took a deserved lead through Aleksandr Mitrovic.
The game was a struggle for the first 70 minutes, and it is clear the heavy fixture list has caught up with the side. There has been no break for the twice-a-week Red Devils since late December.
At the start of the year United were controlling games and winning midfield battles. Casemiro’s suspension did not help, and Christian Eriksen can’t return from injury soon enough.
Penalty drama changes the game
Something big needed to happen for Manchester United to get back into this one. And wow, did it.
A breakaway counter saw Jadon Sancho round the goalkeeper and shoot, before Willian appeared from nowhere to block the ball on the line – with his hand.
This led to a VAR review in which Marco Silva was red carded for protesting. The referee gave a penalty and sent Willian off – before Aleksandr Mitrovic lost his head.
The Serbian striker pushed the referee and shouted in his face with his hand jabbing towards him, leaving no choice but for him to be sent off too.
Bruno Fernandes scored the penalty to bring United level, leaving Fulham attempting to hold out with nine men.
It is this crazy couple of minutes the game will be remembered for.
Marcel Sabitzer scores his first United goal
Manchester United took the lead minutes after the equaliser, with the Old Trafford crowd finally rocking after all the drama.
Marcel Sabitzer was the surprise scorer, netting from close range after Luke Shaw’s pinpoint cross, following good link-up with Jadon Sancho.
Sabitzer has been in and out of the side since joining on loan, recently missing time with injury, and he is going to be vital with Casemiro out suspended.
This goal will be crucial for helping him to feel like he belongs. It was a crucial strike to help book United’s place in the semi-finals.
Bruno Fernandes scored a third in injury time to make it a fourth successive 3-1 win in the FA Cup this season so far.
Antony deserves credit for reviving United
Antony was the catalyst for Manchester United’s comeback. It was his breakaway run down the right wing which split Fulham open, before picking out Jadon Sancho.
The Brazilian started the game on the bench before being called on with United trailing at 1-0 down.
Immediately he took the game to Fulham, snapping at the opposite full-back and giving United a wide threat which was non-existent in the first half.
He came close to scoring an outrageous individual goal at the end of the game too, and looked hungry to get on the scoresheet.
Wembley clash v Fulham set
Manchester United are returning to Wembley and the opponents are already set. United will face Brighton and Hove Albion.
The other semi-final is Manchester City against Sheffield United, raising the likelihood of a Manchester derby final.
That will be one to look forward to, or dread, but Brighton will be no pushovers. United still also have to visit them in the league.