Manchester United’s FA Cup title defence came to an end after falling to defeat against Fulham on Sunday.
Manchester United lost on penalties against Fulham to crash out of the FA Cup.
Bernd Leno, formerly of Arsenal, saved Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee’s spot-kicks to send Fulham through to the quarter-finals.
After previously reaching two FA Cup finals and winning one under Erik ten Hag, Ruben Amorim’s side fell short of their objective to go all the way this season.
Fulham earned a home draw against Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals.
Calvin Bassey’s header gave Fulham the lead before the break, but United finally responded after 71 minutes when Bruno Fernandes struck a fantastic first-time equaliser.
Extra time concluded without a winner before Leno denied Lindelof and Zirkzee to seal a place in the next round.
Luke Littler spurred on by Man Utd to become UK Open champion
Manchester United fan and world darts champion Luke Littler secured a comfortable 11-6 victory over Jonny Clayton in the semi-final of the UK Open.
Littler finished on a stunning 10-darter to win the match to reach the final where he would face James Wade.
Speaking to ITV, Littler said United crashing out of the FA Cup on penalties during his game ‘spurred him on to’ victory.
He said: “I am happy, reaching the final in only my second UK Open.
“But second break I heard Manchester United lost, so it spurred me on and I won the next five!
“So I needed just one more and I got the job done.
“I know myself my doubles isn’t the best part of me so there’s room for improvement but I know my scoring is strong.
“That scoring allows me to miss 20 darts at double!
“I’ve said plenty of times I want to win every major so I’m a step closer to doing that.”
Littler went on to beat Wade 11-2 in the final to win his first ever UK Open, which will help lighten his mood after United’s disappointing defeat.
Littler visits Old Trafford
Back in January, Littler paraded his PDC World Championship trophy at Old Trafford.
The world’s youngest world champion, aged 17, was a guest of honour for United’s 3-1 defeat against Brighton in the Premier League.
Littler showed off the silverware in front of 74,000 fans at half-time.
The Old Trafford faithful sung his “Walking in a Littler wonderland” chant when he took to the pitch.
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