Ruben Amorim breaks down why Andre Onana took a long time taking goal kicks during Manchester United FA Cup exit

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Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup against Fulham, defeated on penalties.

Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney bemoaned a missed opportunity for the club following the FA Cup fifth round exit.

With Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal all eliminated, United would have faced Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in the next round.

In the end a lack of quality against Fulham saw Ruben Amorim’s side put out of their misery. In truth, without the injured Amad, and without a goalscoring striker, Manchester United were never going to win this competition anyway.

United drew the game 1-1 with Bruno Fernandes on target. An improved performance from the team in the latter half of the game, and extra-time, ultimately did not pay off. Fulham won 4-3 on penalties.

One player who Ruben Amorim faced questions about after the game was Andre Onana.

Ruben Amorim quizzed on Andre Onana

Ruben Amorim was asked during his post-match press conference about Andre Onana in possession in the second half, with it put to him that the goalkeeper was displaying a lack of urgency.

With United chasing the game, and then a winner, it was noted that the crowd was getting frustrated, with fans urging the team to attack.

Amorim explained that Onana was actually trying to help his teammates by taking his time, in the context that this is a thin squad, lack on options, trying to conserve and maintain their energy.

He said: “It is also frustration for Andre, I think he’s trying to read the team.

“Sometimes you can feel that our team was so tired. We played the last game with less one player the second half.

“And I feel this game [he] is using that time for us to rest a little bit, to go for the second ball.

“Sometimes we push the team forward, then you feel it that the players need a little bit moment, so I think he wants to help the team, and not the opposite.”

Manchester United thin on options, and quality

Ruben Amorim did not even name a full substitutes bench against Fulham, a move that was considered a little disappointing by some fans, not to at least give a couple of extra young players a match opportunity.

But it was also reflective of the team’s lack of options. With Amad injured, the spark has gone from the attack.

Alejandro Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee continue to try hard, without scoring, while youngster Chido Obi did get an opportunity and outplayed Rasmus Hojlund, without getting the all-important goal.

United were without Patrick Dorgu, suspended after a red card against Ipswich Town. At least he will be available in the Europa League later this week.

Next up is an away trip against Real Sociedad for a 5.45pm kick-off in Spain, before a home match in the Premier League against Arsenal next Sunday.