FA Cup

MANCHESTER UNITED first team coach Darren Fletcher headed for the tunnel before Joshua Zirkzee had even missed his crucial penalty against Fulham.The Red Devils contested a penalty shoot-out with Marco Silva’s side following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.Joshua Zirkzee was devastated after squandering his penaltyCredit: GettyDarren Fletcher is a first team coach at Man UtdCredit: GettyWith Fulham having scored their first four spot kicks, Zirkzee needed to convert in order to keep the tie alive, as Victor Lindelof had squandered United’s previous penalty.Zirkzee’s tame shot was saved by Bernd Leno, thus confirming Fulham’s victory.The tearful Dutchman was consoled by his team-mates following his unfortunate moment.Per the MEN’s Samuel Luckhurst, Fletcher hadn’t appeared to have much faith in United rescuing the shoot-out.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSHe wrote on X: “Darren Fletcher headed for the exit before Joshua Zirkzee took his penalty kick. Everyone knows the score with the team that barely score.”Zirkzee, 23, has scored just three Premier League goals since completing his £36.5million move from Bologna last summer.Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, has netted just twice in the league this term.He had already been replaced by 17-year-old Chido Obi prior to the shoot-out.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSAfter the game, Manchester United’s all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney admitted that he would rather have Danny Welbeck still at the club than their current options.Working as a pundit for the BBC, he said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs Fulham”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.”He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”The 39-year-old had more encouraging words for teenager Obi.He added: “What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.”He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.”Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings. More

WAYNE ROONEY has admitted that he’d like to see Danny Welbeck still playing for Manchester United.The Red Devils academy graduate, 34, played alongside Rooney at Old Trafford between 2008 and 2014.Wayne Rooney appeared as a pundit on the BBCCredit: X formerly Twitter / @BBCMOTDDanny Welbeck scored for Brighton at NewcastleCredit: GettyRooney played alongside Welbeck for Man Utd and EnglandCredit: Lee Thompson – The SunHaving been well thought of by Sir Alex Ferguson, Welbeck fell down the pecking order following the legendary Scot’s departure and was subsequently sold by Louis van Gaal.Following stints with Arsenal and Watford, the former England international has thrived at Brighton.The veteran netted the winning goal for the Seagulls at Newcastle earlier today and Rooney gushed over his ability.Sitting at Old Trafford working as a BBC pundit for United’s FA Cup clash with Fulham, the former Man Utd captain said: “Danny’s great to play alongside.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS”If I’m completely honest I’d probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.”He’s scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he’s having a fantastic season.”Welbeck has scored seven goals in 25 Premier League appearances this season.That is more than Rasmus Hojlund (two) and Joshua Zirkzee (three) have managed combined this term.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBoth of United’s misfiring forwards failed to find the net today as their side crashed out of the FA Cup.Hojlund, 22, was replaced by Chido Obi on 68 minutes following an ineffective display.Wayne Rooney starts new job in Middle East as Man Utd legend touches down for first day after leaving Plymouth While Zirkzee played the full 120 minutes before missing a crucial penalty in the shoot-out.Rooney, 39, was encouraged by Obi’s latest cameo.He said: “What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.”He looked like the one who could go on and nick it.” More

MANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Joshua Zirkzee scuffed his crucial penaltyCredit: AFPRasmus Hojlund had another poor game up frontCredit: GettyFulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno. United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.But the visitors were always dangerous, forcing a good save from Andre Onana after an Emile Smith Rowe strike.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHere is how SunSport’s Ken Lawrence rated the performances.ANDRE ONANA – 6Another cock-up for Ipswich’s first goal last Wednesday, so, had Altay Bayinder been fit, Onana would surely have paid for the blunder that also involved Patrick Dorgu.Today he dropped what should have been a dolly catch in the 32nd minute, but then soon after came for an Andreas Periera corner and took it perfectly.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamYou never know what you’re going to get from him but he produced a great, late save low to deny sub Smith Rowe.However, the Cameroonian did not get near any of Fulham’s penalties.MATTHIJS DE LIGT – 7Not the quickest in the world and after his £42m arrival from Bayern Munich, he looked to be struggling to acclimatise.But he’s slowly starting to settle in and one huge difference could be seen in a series of sweeping long balls directed towards the left and Dalot.That’s clearly an attribute he’s improved in training and speaks to the demands that have been made of United’s defenders under the new regime.HARRY MAGUIRE – 5Amorim reckons he should be an automatic choice for Thomas Tuchel and his first England squad when World Cup qualifying which kicks off against Albania later this month.The Stretford End might disagree about the man who remains the world’s most expensive centre-half and gets caught under too many high crosses.LENY YORO -7The 19-year-old was making only his 18th appearance in English football following his £52m summer move from Lille and he’s growing into it.This was the French international’s most assured performance yet, playing as a right-footer on the left of Amorim’s three-man rearguard.There are positive signs that he could become value for money in the long-term. Being hooked in favour of Victor Lindelof early in the second half was a big surprise. NOUSSAIR MAZRAOUI – 6The Moroccan international signed from Bayern for a mere £12.6m has looked a bargain. One of the few Erik ten Hag signings who looked like he belonged as a United player, but is hardly Mr. Exciting as a right wing back.He struggled to cope with the threat posed by Alex Iwobi and Robinson, rarely venturing forward with any real conviction.MANUEL UGARTE – 6Will have been mystified that it was him who was withdrawn for Garnacho, even though the winger’s pace was badly needed.Admittedly, he hasn’t looked like he was worth a fee of up to £50m, but he dug in against well-organised, hardly sensational, opponents.What he lacks is goals. He did score a howitzer to complete United’s comeback in the 2-2 draw with Everton eight days earlier but that’s still his only strike in 32 appearances… not a good return at all.BRUNO FERNANDES – 9Not exactly a Captain Fantastic – but he is Captain Commitment and his work rate in this one was phenomenal, popping up all over the pitch – in defence as well as attack, delivering plenty of decent balls to boot.There was also the sweetest of equalisers, a low right footer on the half volley from Dalot’s cut-back that arrowed into Leno’s left-hand corner.DIOGO DALOT – 5The Portuguese is naturally right-sided but filled in for suspended left wing-back Dorgu and was just average.United fans can never say he doesn’t give his all but out of position, as he was against the Cottagers, he never looks that comfortable.De Ligt delivered some marvellous cross-field balls to him and he failed with all of them.However, he did produce a fine low cut-back for Fernandes to equalise.CHRISTIAN ERIKSEN – 5Made his first start in over a month and at the age of 33, Amorim continues to speak highly off him, insisting he still has a long future ahead of him as a top player.But that is not likely to be at Old Trafford, with his contract up in the summer and the chance to get more weight off the imbalanced wage bill.Starting to look his age, sadly. He still has a great eye for a pass, but delivering them as he once did so imperiously is becoming a major problem for him.JOSHUA ZIRKZEE – 3Was famously reduced to tears when hauled off after 33 minutes in the 2-0 defeat by Newcastle United two days short of the new year.And tonight he cried again, this time at his scuffed penalty.The Dutch “attacker”, for want of a less polite description, played like he was in a fog, always in the wrong place at the wrong time and basically just getting in the way.RASMUS HOJLUND – 2His first touch is horrendous but then again his third isn’t that much better – of all Amorim’s changes the Dane’s was the most obvious.Only Antony, and only because of his £85m price tag, can be considered a worse signing than that striker who cost £72m.Harsh, brutal even? Not when you consider that after 78 games he’s got only 23 goals.Hasn’t hit the net for 18 in a row – and couldn’t hit a barn, never mind a door.SUBSALEJANDRO GARNACHO (for Ugarte, 53 minutes) – 6Lunch is going to be on him for his strop-walk down the tunnel after being subbed in last week’s win over Ipswich Town, but almost gobbled up a late, late chance to prevent extra time.VICTOR LINDELOF (for Yoro, 53 minutes) – 5The Swede had become the forgotten man under Amorim. But it will be impossible to forget his poor penalty in the shootout. CASEMIRO (for Eriksen, 68 minutes) – 6Maybe not quite as gone at the game as some of his performances have suggested in recent times – very solid as midfield enforcer and took a great penalty.CHIDO OBI (for Hojlund, 68 minutes) – 6Got one of the biggest cheers of a darkening Old Trafford night when he took to the pitch – and this giant Bambi of a 17-year-old almost claimed the winner in time added on.AYDEN HEAVEN (for Maguire, 90 minutes) – 6The January arrival from Arsenal came on suddenly found himself in the middle of FA Cup drama. More

JOSHUA ZIRKZEE was left in tears following Man Utd’s heartbreaking exit from the FA Cup.The Red Devils were forced into a penalty shootout by Fulham, following a 1-1 draw.A dejected Joshua Zirkzee was left in tears after his crucial penalty miss for Man UtdCredit: PAFulham’s Bernd Leno saves Zirkzee’s penalty to send the Red Devils outCredit: ReutersCoach Ruben Amorim consoles a dejected ZirkzeeCredit: AFPFulham’s players also approached Zirkzee following his heartbreaking missCredit: BBCAnd it was the Dutch forward who missed the decisive penalty, as his side crashed out of the cup.Zirkzee was seen looking emotional on the pitch after the game concluded.Visibly upset, his own team-mates consoled him.Fulham’s Alex Iwobi was also seen offering his sympathy to the Netherlands international.Read more Man Utd newsWhile manager Ruben Amorim offered him a comforting arm.Zirkzee was the hero in United’s FA Cup third round tie against Arsenal.He netted the winning penalty at the Emirates to knock the Gunners out.However, this time Cottagers keeper Bernd Leno guessed correctly to deny the ex-Bologna man.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSZirkzee was given his third start in a row by Portuguese tactician Amorim.Fulham took the lead in the first when Calvin Bassey headed home from a Andreas Pereira corner.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamThe goal had an eerie similarity to a strike the away team scored in their FA Cup tie from 2023, also at Old Trafford.However, Bruno Fernandes forced extra time when he rifled a low effort first time past LenoNeither side could break through in the extra 30 minutes, so it was down to spot kicks to decide the contest.Victor Lindelof blinked first when his effort was saved by the German shotstopper.Needing to score to keep his side in it, Zirkzee also saw his shot from 12-yards saved.Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.Calvin Bassey aids Zirkzee after his missCredit: GettyFulham’s Willian pats Zirkzee on the head after the shootoutCredit: ReutersAntonee Robinson offers Zirkzee words of supportCredit: GettyUnited’s stars rally around an upset ZirkzeeCredit: GettyZirkzee missed United’s fifth penalty in a 4-3 shootout loss to FulhamCredit: PA More

FULHAM got a tasty FA Cup quarter-final reward for dumping out holders Manchester United in an Old Trafford shootout.But it’s Bournemouth who look to be hosting the pick of the last-eight ties following Sunday night’s draw. Fulham celebrate after ousting Man Utd on penalties after a 1-1 drawCredit: AFPThe FA Cup quarter-final draw was made live at Old TraffordRuben Amorim saw the Red Devils suffer another painful blowCredit: PAThe Cottagers will entertain Crystal Palace in a London derby, while Bournemouth are at home to top-flight champions Manchester City.Meanwhile, Newcastle’s conquerors Brighton will take in a visit from the winners of the one remaining fifth round clash, which is Nottingham Forest vs Ipswich on Monday.In the fourth and final quarter-final, the last survivors from outside the Prem have a mouthwatering reward at home.Having surprisingly KO’d Championship rivals Burnley on 3-0, Preston now play Aston Villa. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRed Devils’ legend Denis Irwin and ex-Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy conducted the last-eight draw at Old Trafford live on the BBC- straight after United’s 4-3 shootout exit. The four ties will be played over the weekend of March 28-31.Before the Red Devils slumped out, Brighton triumphed 2-1 at St James’ Park in a remarkable clash that saw two red cards.Danny Welbeck hit the Seagulls’ 114th-minute clincher.Most read in FA CupHOW THE LAST-EIGHT DRAW LOOKSHERE’S how it’s shaping up, with the ties to be played on the final weekend of this month.Fulham vs Crystal PalacePreston vs Aston VillaBournemouth vs Man CityBrighton vs Nottm Forest/IpswichBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSPalace beat South London rivals Millwall 3-1 the day before.Lions keeper Liam Roberts saw red early on for a horror challenge on Jean-Philippe Mateta.’Endangered his life’ – Crystal Palace owner gives Mateta injury update live on BBC and slams ‘reckless’ Millwall starAnd Bournemouth KO’d Wolves 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw as Matheus Cunha picked up another shocking sending-off.Pep Guardiola’s City sunk Liverpool’s conquerors Plymouth 3-1, with 19-year-old Nico O’Reilly striking twice.The fifth-round action had begun on Friday night when Marcus Rashford picked up yet another assist for Aston Villa in a 2-0 defeat of Cardiff.Marco Asensio struck twice, with Rashford setting up SIX scoring opportunities – equalling his career-best achievement for parent club United.Holders Man Utd and Newcastle went out on SundayCredit: Reuters More

MANCHESTER UNITED’S disastrous season plumbed new depths as they lost their grip on the FA Cup with a penalty shoot-out defeat by Fulham. Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had spot-kicks saved by Bernd Leno in front of the Stretford End as Marco Silva’s men booked a place in the quarter-finals after a scrappy and chaotic tie.  Joshua Zirkzee missed the crucial spot kickCredit: AFPFulham celebrate their penalty shoot-out victoryCredit: RexZirkzee was in tears after missing the kick which clinched Fulham’s win as the visitors scored all four of their penalties.As they languish in the bottom half of the Premier League table, with a raft of redundancies to backroom staff and a squad ravaged by injuries, the world’s oldest knock-out competition offered plenty of fortune for United – until this. After Harry Maguire’s offside injury-time winner against Leicester in the last round, the toenail offside decision that robbed Coventry of an extraordinary comeback in last season’s semi-final and the Amad Diallo winner an epic 4-3 quarter-final victory over Liverpool, there always seems to be late drama involving United in this competition. But this time it went against United, who have now lost seven home matches under Ruben Amorim – and must now reply on the Europa League as their only route back into European competition next season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDUnited were the better of two poor teams as Bruno Fernandes struck to cancel out Calvin Bassey’s first-half header.But neither side could find a winner in a wild and wide-open spell of extra-time. And Marco Silva’s side, who had lost a marathon shoot-out to Preston in the Carabao Cup this season were spared a similar fate again here, as they seek a first Cup Final appearance in 50 years. Despite United’s traumas in the Premier League, they had done the double over Fulham and lost just once to the Craven Cottage club in 21 previous meetings.Most read in FA CupJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSCalvin Bassey heads Fulham into the leadCredit: GettyBassey celebrates putting Fulham in frontCredit: ReutersSilva’s side, nine points clear of United in the league table, have been routinely beating teams in the top half of the table but coming unstuck against struggling sides. Two years ago, Fulham led 1-0 here in a quarter-final, until a major meltdown earned them three cards – including one for Aleksandar Mitrovic pushing the referee – and ending up losing 3-1.Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after ‘easy’ question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd’s FA Cup clash vs FulhamAlejandro Garnacho was benched after his midweek strop in the win against Ipswich and Amorim named just five outfield players on the bench – Fulham’s substitutes looking a far stronger group.Still, Amorim’s men started with fire in their bellies, winning plenty in midfield and going close three times in the opening 20 minutes.First, Manuel Ugarte outmuscled Fulham skipper Antonee Robinson and teed up Bruno Fernandes for a shot pushed wide by Bernd Leno.Then Christian Eriksen centred low to the near post where Rasmus Hojlund fired wide. Man Utd ratings vs FulhamMANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.Just as United’s frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.He picked up Diogo Dalot’s perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?Here, SunSport’s Ken Lawrence reveals his player ratings.And next Eriksen’s curling shot was pushed away by Leno.Fulham were error-strewn, conceding possession far too easily.Bruno Fernandes sweeps Man Utd levelCredit: GettyFernandes wheels away in celebrationCredit: GettyOn 20 minutes, Old Trafford was united in protest against 20 years of the Glazer family’s ownership – as well as a dig at Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ticket pricing policy. Ugarte was booked for tripping former United man Andreas Pereira on the edge of the box but Sasa Lukic wasted the free-kick.Both sides were sinking in an ocean of mediocrity, the quality of their panic-stations passing desperately low.When Fulham did finally carve out a chance, Alex Iwobi’s cross picking out Lukic’s darting run, the Serb headed high and wide with the goal at his mercy.Joshua Zirkzee nodded wide from a Fernandes cross and United were the better of two poor teams – only to fall to a sucker punch in first-half injury time. It was a well-worked routine from the visitors, Pereira’s dead-ball kick finding Rodrigo Muniz who steered a downward header towards the back post for Bassey to nut it past Andre Onana. It was only Bassey’s third goal for Fulham – and his second at Old Trafford.Straight after the break, Adama Traore was forced to limp off, replaced by Emile Smith Rowe – and Amorim sent Garnacho off the naughty step in place of Ugarte, with Viktor Lindelof on for Leny Yoro. And Smith Rowe was soon forcing a decent save from Onana after a swift exchange of passes from Silva’s side. Chido Obi was heavily involved after coming onCredit: ReutersAs things started to look desperate, Amorim sent on teenage striker Chido Obi in place of Hojlund and Casemiro replaced Eriksen.There had been little sign of a United equaliser before it arrived on 71 minutes – a clever cut-back from Diogo Dalot finding Fernandes who drilled low, first time, into the bottom corner.   It was the captain’s eighth goal of Amorim’s reign – who knows where United would be without him? Momentarily, Old Trafford was transformed from library into bearpit.Still, Fulham were creating the chances – Iwobi picked out Muniz with a searching pass but the Brazilian’s effort was deflected wide in a tangle of feet, then Pereira fired one wide. Garnacho was beginning to get his dancing feet going down the left but the place was a hive of anxiety – on the pitch and off.Silva sent on his veterans, Raul Jimenez and Willian and, In injury-time, Smith Rowe forced an excellent save from Onana.And Obi almost snatched glory when he tangled with Bassey and shot wide – when the kid might have earned a spot-kick had he gone to ground. Garnacho was then thwarted by a sprawling save from Leno before we went into extra-time. READ MORE SUN STORIESObi went close again at the end of the first period, an angled chip turned around the post expertly by Leno. In a chaotic, wide-open period of extra-time, Onana was busy once more when he got down to the foot of his post to keep out sub Ryan Sessegnon.  More