Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno produced two crucial saves in a penalty shootout to send his team into the FA Cup quarter-finals, defeating Manchester United after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. The victory keeps alive Fulham’s hopes of reaching their first FA Cup final since 1975, while ending United’s chances of silverware in this competition.
Fulham took the lead in first-half stoppage time. Calvin Bassey was left unmarked at the far post to head home from close range after Rodrigo Muniz had flicked on a corner.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes equalized with a superb low strike from the edge of the area after being set up by Diogo Dalot.
Both teams had opportunities to win the match in normal time. Andre Onana twice denied Emile Smith Rowe, while 17-year-old United substitute Chido Obi saw a late flick saved by Leno. Leno also saved from United’s substitute Alejandro Garnacho.
The match went to extra time and then penalties. After three successful spot-kicks from each side, Leno saved Victor Lindelof’s attempt. Antonee Robinson then scored for Fulham before Leno saved again, this time from Joshua Zirkzee, to secure Fulham’s victory.
Fulham’s Wembley Dream Alive
Fulham’s victory provides a measure of revenge for their controversial FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester United at Old Trafford two seasons ago when they had a lead and were in control before conceding a penalty and receiving three red cards.
Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/Avt0Ne1IGu
— Fulham Football Club (@FulhamFC) March 2, 2025
Manager Marco Silva hailed his team’s performance and their commitment to the FA Cup. “From the first day we are really serious in the competition. It is a big competition for us,” Silva said, adding that his side are “in a better place” than two years ago. “We are more mature but you can see the identity is the same. Everyone can see Fulham is a very good club in the Premier League.”
Fulham, only missing Man City among the Premier League’s big six, will believe they can win.
Further Setback for Amorim’s United
The defeat represents another blow for Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim. The FA Cup represented one of United’s remaining routes to European qualification, and their exit adds to the pressure on the manager.
There were glimpses of Amorim’s desired style of play, notably in an 11th-minute move that involved Matthijs de Ligt, Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Zirkzee, Ugarte, and culminated in a Fernandes shot saved by Leno.
However, familiar problems persisted. Neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Zirkzee, who both worked tirelessly, provided a consistent goal threat, and Onana’s sometimes erratic decision-making caused uncertainty in defense. Bassey’s goal highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, with United’s defenders caught ball-watching. Bruno Fernandes, despite scoring a brilliant equalizer, could not prevent another disappointing result.
This is United’s 10th loss in 24 games since Amorim’s arrival in November. It is a sharp contrast compared to the record of the last manager, Erik ten Hag, who took 55 games to reach 10 losses.
The FA Cup exit leaves United with limited opportunities for silverware this season, increasing the scrutiny on Amorim’s tenure.
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