Man United player ratings vs Fulham: Defeat at Old Trafford! Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt heroics applauded as Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirzkee penalty misses end FA Cup dreams

Man United player ratings vs Fulham: Defeat at Old Trafford! Bruno Fernandes and Matthijs de Ligt heroics applauded as Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirzkee penalty misses end FA Cup dreams

The Red Devils only have the Europa League to fight for now after yet another disappointing display on Sunday.

Manchester United’s season went from bad to worse as they were sent crashing out of the FA Cup after losing a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw with Fulham at Old Trafford.

Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee botched their spot-kicks as the visitors ran out 4-3 winners in the shootout, despite United winning the coin toss and kicking first in front of the Stretford End.

A brilliant Bruno Fernandes strike cancelled out Calvin Bassey’s first-half header, but the teams couldn’t be separated after extra-time. And despite winning their previous shootouts against Arsenal this season and in the semi-finals against both Brighton in 2023 and Coventry City in 2024, United could not keep their nerve from 12 yards.

Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):

Had a near miss when he spilled Castagne’s cross but recovered. Did well to repel two low drives from Smith Rowe and to thwart Sessegnon in extra-time, but couldn’t get close to any of the penalties.

Matthijs de Ligt (7/10):

A loose pass was intercepted and led to Ugarte fouling Pereira to limit the damage. Got big cheers for a vital tackle on Pereira and an important clearance, while his meaty tackles in extra-time had fans on their feet.

Harry Maguire (5/10):

Looked a little leggy, slow to 50/50s and his passing was a bit off, such as when a sloppy ball risked a Fulham breakaway before Fernandes recovered. Helped De Ligt out by clearing the danger with Muniz lurking. Taken off injured at the end of normal time.

Leny Yoro (5/10):

Showed some ambitious passing but his defensive frailties were on display when he switched off for the opening goal.

Noussair Mazraoui (5/10):

Didn’t look comfortable at wing-back, rarely causing any danger. He also lost Bassey for the goal.

Christian Eriksen (5/10):

His passing was hit and miss, although he seemed exasperated with his team-mates’ inability to latch on to his balls. Taken off for Casemiro.

Manuel Ugarte (5/10):

Teed up Fernandes for an early chance. Put out a fire by fouling Pereira and took a booking for it, leading to him being taken off early in the second half.

Diogo Dalot (6/10):

Had a shaky start but grew into the game and linked up well with Garnacho on the left, setting up Fernandes’ goal with a cut-back. Took his penalty well.

Bruno Fernandes (7/10):

The only player to trouble Leno in the first half, and he always looked like being the one to dig United out of the hole before producing a splendid first-time finish to equaliser.

Rasmus Hojlund (4/10

His near-post miss underlined his lack of confidence amid a run of 18 games without a goal, as did the moment when he neglected to challenge Bassey for a loose ball, infuriating fans. His substitution for Obi was greeted by loud cheers. albeit mostly for the player who was coming on.

Joshua Zirkzee (5/10):

Fought hard to win the second balls and