Fulham knocked out holders Manchester United from the FA Cup with a dramatic penalty shootout victory after the teams drew 1-1 after extra time at Old Trafford on Sunday. The result marked another painful chapter for the Red Devils, who found themselves struggling against the rising Fulham side.
The match began with little fanfare, as both teams took time to find their rhythm. Manchester United had the more promising early chances, with their captain Bruno Fernandes almost putting them ahead with a powerful drive from the edge of the box, which was expertly saved by Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno. The opening stages indicated United's intent, as they pressed Fulham high and created some half-chances.
It was, nonetheless, Calvin Bassey's goal just seconds before halftime which struck the most significant blow. From what appeared to be a contentious corner, Bassey capitalized on defensive lapses from the home side, nodding home the opener past Andre Onana, United's goalkeeper. The goal left the Manchester side trailing at halftime, giving the visitors, Fulham, the psychological edge.
After the break, United emerged with renewed intensity, seeking to overturn their deficit. Their persistence paid off when Fernandes found the bottom corner with a polished finish, equalizing the score at 1-1. His goal came from strong interplay with Diogo Dalot, illustrating United's potential and resilience.
After normal time, the match entered extra time, but both teams were unable to capitalize fully on their chances. Fulham, buoyed by their earlier goal, pressured United, and substitute Emile Smith Rowe threatened with several efforts. Yet, as the match grew tighter, both sides struggled to add to their scorelines, forcing the game to the tiebreaking penalty shootout.
The shootout unfolded dramatically, with both teams initially converting their penalties. Fernandes, Dalot, and Casemiro all scored for United, but it was Leno's heroics and United's failure to score pivotal penalties from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee which determined the outcome. Leno made two spectacular saves, first denying Lindelof and then Zirkzee, sealing Fulham's passage to the next round with the score ending 4-3 in the penalty shootout.
"It’s hard for us to press a little bit high. I felt we had the best chances in the game, penalties can go either way. Today it was not our day," said United manager Ruben Amorim, reflecting on his side's exit from the competition. The match showcased the stark reality facing United, whose struggles continue to deepen as they find themselves languishing outside the top tier of English football.
On the other side, Fulham manager Marco Silva expressed pride and satisfaction with his team's performance, stating, "We cannot achieve anything so important if you do not fight really hard. We were brave and we did it our way and I have to congratulate our players. They did it perfectly." Silva's sentiments encapsulated Fulham's current form and their determination to push forward.
The match signified more than just another FA Cup tie; it illustrated the shifting dynamics of English football, where clubs like Fulham are finding success against traditional giants like Manchester United. Despite dominating fixtures for decades, United now finds themselves eliminated from both domestic cup competitions and grappling with their identity on the pitch.
Fulham's victory not only advances them to the quarter-finals, where they will face Crystal Palace, but it also highlights the potential for clubs outside the established powerhouses to compete at the highest levels. The lush atmosphere at Old Trafford contrasted sharply with the despondency felt by the home crowd as their dreams of back-to-back FA Cup triumphs faded amid the backdrop of Fulham's jubilant supporters.
The FA Cup, with its storied history, continues to provide moments of surprise and elation, and it was Fulham's turn to savor this sensation on Sunday. Looking forward, the Cottagers are buoyed by their performance and ability to deliver under pressure, promising to keep the excitement of this competition very much alive.