Manchester United's FA Cup run came to a disappointing end as they bowed out to Fulham after losing 5-3 on penalties following a thrilling 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Star player Bruno Fernandes, who equalized for United, was instrumental throughout the match, raising questions about his future as the club's captain after facing heavy criticism from former players.
From the outset, the match proved challenging for Manchester United. They entered the tie against Fulham with hopes of defending their FA Cup title, having previously enjoyed significant success under former manager Erik ten Hag. Things began poorly for the Red Devils when, seconds before halftime, Calvin Bassey headed Fulham in front. The goal came from a corner taken by Andreas Pereira, which was flicked on by Rodrigo Muniz, affording Bassey the opportunity to slot the ball past goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Despite trailing at halftime, United showed renewed spirit during the second period. Bruno Fernandes, the captain, was pivotal, scoring the equalizer with a stunning left-footed shot from 16 yards out, igniting hopes of victory for the home crowd. Fernandes's strike followed some excellent work by substitute Alejandro Garnacho, who provided the assist with a low cross. Shot statistics reveal Fernandes had three shots on target through the match, forcing Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno to spring to action, but the only one he couldn’t deny was the well-placed drive.
The performance marked yet another remarkable display from Fernandes amid rising tension surrounding his captaincy. Former Manchester United legend Roy Keane unleashed significant criticism on Fernandes leading up to the match, questioning his leadership qualities and resilience. Keane criticized after United's previous draw against Everton, saying, "They draw at Everton, and it's like they've won the cup. Bizarre.” Despite Keane's comments, the captain delivered on the pitch, proving to the naysayers he is not just talk.
Fans reacted online following Fernandes’s performance against Fulham, many defending him against Keane’s assertions. One fan tweeted, “I hope Roy Keane is watching Bruno Fernandes?" reflecting the sentiment of several supporters who appreciate the midfielder’s contributions, especially under pressure. Another remarked, "Bruno basically carries us [and] we’d be in the relegation zone without him, so for Keane to go in on him of all people was weird.”
After leveling the match, the game progressed through regular time and then extra-time, with neither side managing to break the deadlock again. Amidst the tension, Bernd Leno's solid performance kept Fulham's defense steady, frustrating United's attack. Substitutes, including the dynamic Chido Obi, provided moments of promise but could not capitalize on their chances, forcing the tie to be decided by penalties.
During the shootout, Manchester United faltered. Despite Fernandes managing to convert his attempt, teammates Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee missed their penalties, culminating in Fulham’s victory. It was an unsettling end to what had been hailed as another impressive performance by the club captain, who dominated the pitch with 101 touches and 48 successful passes out of 70 attempts. His performance also included two successful dribbles and seven won duels.
With the FA Cup now behind them, attentions turn to the Europa League clash against Real Sociedad later this week, where Fernandes and the team will seek to find form and stability. Despite the defeat at Old Trafford, many fans remain hopeful as they see potential for improvement, particularly from their captain, whose influence continues to be felt throughout the squad.
Although the defeat leaves regrets about what could have been, it has significantly raised questions about the atmosphere within the club following the criticism from iconic figures like Keane. With reports highlighting the split opinions among fans, where 63% believe Fernandes is still effective as captain, the relationship between the players and their supporters will be pivotal as the season continues.