In a thrilling FA Cup fifth-round clash at Old Trafford, Fulham knocked out the reigning champions, Manchester United, after a 1-1 draw, securing their place in the next round with a 4-3 triumph in the penalty shootout. Fulham’s manager, Marco Silva, couldn’t hide his delight at the result, expressing great pride in his squad’s display. He remarked confidently, “We deserve to be in the next stage,” highlighting the determination and quality shown by his players throughout the match.
The game kicked off with Manchester United asserting control in the early stages, dominating possession and probing Fulham’s defense. However, despite their command of the ball, United struggled to create clear-cut scoring opportunities. Their attacks often lacked the decisive final pass, allowing Fulham to regain their defensive shape and absorb the pressure effectively. Fulham’s discipline at the back frustrated the hosts, who were unable to translate their territorial advantage into goals.
Fulham, meanwhile, remained composed and patient, waiting for the right moments to counterattack. Their strategy paid off late in the first half when they capitalized on one of United’s recurring weaknesses this season—defending set pieces. In first-half stoppage time, Calvin Bassey broke the deadlock, rising highest to meet a well-delivered corner and head the ball past United’s goalkeeper. Bassey’s goal exposed United’s ongoing struggles to defend against corners, a vulnerability that has been a concern for manager Erik ten Hag.
Going into the second half trailing by a goal, Manchester United ramped up their intensity. They pushed forward relentlessly in search of an equalizer, with Bruno Fernandes and Marcus Rashford leading the charge. Their efforts were finally rewarded when United managed to pull level, igniting the home crowd’s hopes of a comeback. Fulham, however, held firm, displaying resilience and organization in defense, forcing the match into a penalty shootout after a tense and hard-fought stalemate.
The penalty shootout proved to be just as dramatic as the match itself. Both teams converted their initial spot-kicks confidently, but it was Fulham who held their nerve better in the end. Fulham’s goalkeeper made a crucial save, and the visitors converted all their penalties flawlessly, clinching a 4-3 victory in the shootout. The result sent shockwaves through the competition, as the defending champions bowed out on home soil.
Fulham’s triumph was a testament to their tactical discipline, effective set-piece execution, and mental strength under pressure. Marco Silva’s game plan was executed to perfection, combining solid defensive organization with timely offensive threats. As they move forward in the FA Cup, Fulham’s impressive display against Manchester United will undoubtedly boost their confidence and belief that they can contend with any opponent left in the competition.
