The defense of the champions FA Cup Manchester United was eliminated from the competition in a dramatic penalty shoot -out, as Bernd Leno’s heroine secured Fulham’s passage to the quarter -finals in Old Trafford.
The game ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, with Calvin Bassey giving Fulham a first half lead before Bruno Fernandes balanced for United in the second half.
The race saw moments of high drama, with the two goalkeepers making critical savings, but Marco Silva’s side kept their nerve in the penalty shoot -out.
United started strongly, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen testing Leno early, while Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund were half chance. However, Fulham grew up in the game and Sasa Lukic wasted a golden opportunity in the 37th minute when leader of Alex Iwobi’s Cross closely.
Just as half seemed to end, Fulham found the revolution. Rodrigo Muniz met with the corner of Andreas Pereira with a header who found his way to Bassey in the Far Post. The Nigerian international made no mistake, breaking the ball past Andre Onana to send Fulham to a break with a 1-0 lead.
United pushed for an equalizer after the break, with Alejandro Garnacho, introduced as a substitute, adding energy to their attack.
The hosts fought to break a well -organized Fulham defense until the 71st minute when Diogo Dalot gave a low cross to the box. Fernandes arrived at the perfect moment, guiding the ball to the net with a first finish to bring the United Level.
Bernd saves and we are through!
🔴 ✅✅✅❌❌
🤍 ✅✅✅✅– Fulham Football Club (@fulhamfc) March 2 2025
The target triggered Old Trafford and United pressed forward in search of a winner. Garnacho came close to many cases and teenage alternate Chido Obi-Martin almost grabbed the victory in the interruption time, only for Leno to make a crucial savings. At the other end, Onana refused Fulham to replace Emile Smith Rowe with a finger -stack to force the extra time.
Both teams were likely to have an extra time, with Ryan Sessegnon closer to Fulham when his strong strike was removed from Onana.
Casemiro also threw wide from a distance, as United tried to avoid penalties. However, no side could find a decisive goal and the race headed to a dramatic shot in front of the end of the Stretford.
The penalty kick started with Fernandes calmly sending Leno the wrong way to give United the lead. Raul Jimenez responded in kind to Fulham, before Dalot and Sander Berge turned their corresponding spot-kicks to make it 2-2.
Casemiro restored United’s advantage, just for Willian to level the scores again. Victor Lindelov then saw his attempt to save Lenno, giving Fulham the opportunity to take advantage of control. Antonee Robinson kept his temper to roll the ball under the waist, placing Fulham 4-3 in front.
With United’s FA Cup hopes on the line, Zirkzee was reinforced, but saw his sentence save from Leno, triggering wild celebrations between players and Fulham fans.
