The title champions of the FA Cup, Manchester United, were eliminated from the competition in a spectacular penalty shootout while the heroism of Bernd Leno obtained the passage of Fulham in the quarter -finals of Old Trafford.
The match ended 1-1 after 120 minutes, Calvin Bassey giving Fulham a first half lead before Bruno Fernandes was equalized for United in the second period.
The match saw moments of drama high, the two goalkeepers making crucial stops, but Marco Silva’s team held the nerve in the penalty shootout to progress.
United started alive, with Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen testing Leno from the start, while Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund had half a chance. However, Fulham became the match, and Sasa Lukic wasted a gold opportunity in the 37th minute when he directed the crossing of Alex Iwobi at close range.
Just as half-time seemed to end, Fulham found their breakthrough. Rodrigo Muniz met the corner of Andreas Pereira with a look that found its way to Bassey at the distant post. The Nigerian international was not mistaken, breaking the ball past Andre Onana to send Fulham to the break with an advance of 1-0.
United pushed to an equalizer after the break, with Alejandro Garnacho, introduced as a substitute, adding energy to their attack.
The hosts struggled to decompose a defense of Fulham well organized until the 71st minute when Diogo Dalot delivered a low cross, in the box. Fernandes arrived at the perfect time, guiding the ball in the net with a first finish to bring a United level.
Bernd saves and we have finished!
🔴 ✅✅✅❌❌
🤍 ✅✅✅✅– Fulham Football Club (@fulhamfc) March 2, 2025
The goal sparked Old Trafford and United advanced the search for a winner. Garnacho got closer several times, and the teenage replacement Chido Obi-Martin almost torn off victory in time, only for Leno to make a crucial stop. On the other end, Onana denied the replacement Fulham Emile Smith Rowe by stopping the finger to force the overtime.
The two teams were likely in more time, Ryan Sessegnon closer to Fulham when his powerful strike was ready by Onana.
Casemiro also fired from a distance while United was trying to avoid penalties. However, none of the games could find a decisive goal, and the match went to a dramatic shooting in front of Stretford.
The penalty shootout started with Fernandes, calmly sending Leno in the wrong direction to give United the head. Raul Jimenez responded in kind for Fulham, before Dalot and Sander Berge converted their respective kicks to do it 2-2.
Casemiro has restored United’s advantage, only for Willian to level the scores again. Viktor Lindelof then saw his efforts saved by Leno, giving Fulham the possibility of taking control. Antonee Robinson kept her cool to roll the ball in the middle, putting Fulham 4-3 forward.
With the hopes of the United Fa Cup on the line, Zirkzee intensified but saw his penalty saved by Leno, causing wild celebrations among players and Fulham fans.
