FA Cup

FULHAM players got the party started in the Old Trafford dressing rooms after knocking out FA Cup holders Man Utd. Marco Silva’s men battled past United following a tense penalty shootout at the Theatre of Dreams on Sunday.Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero as the Cottagers knocked out FA Cup holders Man UtdCredit: GettyThere was carnage in the Fulham dressing room as the celebrations continuedCredit: XLeno was mobbed by his teammates after Fulham reached the FA Cup quarter-finalsCredit: XGoalkeeper Bernd Leno was the Fulham hero, saving the decisive penalty from Joshua Zirkzee at the Stretford End. It sent Fulham through to just their second FA Cup quarter-final since 2009. And their delighted players cranked up the volume before even reaching the team bus. Footage on social media showed the team wildly celebrating amongst carnage in the away dressing room.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSilva’s assistant Goncalo Pedro roars into the camera as players chant and cheer following the 4-3 shootout win. Defender Calvin Bassey is seen diving headlong onto a changing table, with other players celebrating by throwing drinks onto the floor.Penalty hero Leno enters to an eruption of cheers from his teammates, who join the German for a dance. One fan responded to the wild footage on X: “Celebrating like they won the FA Cup, we’ll see them crying next round.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother said: “Huge W for Fulham. An incredible night that these players will remember forever.”While a third laughed: “Imagine they’d beaten a decent team.”Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missAnd a fourth added: “Man United is heading for rock bottom.”United boss Ruben Amorim cut a dejected figure after the loss.But he attempted to strike a positive tone in his post-match press conference – suggesting his overall goal was to win the Premier League.Amorim said: “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way.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.”We know that we are losing games, but the goal is to win the Premier League again. READ MORE SUN STORIES”I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal, and we continue forward no matter what.”It’s impossible to know, but you start understanding the players are better and we understand the league. We’ll see in the future.” More

DAMNING stats have emerged after £72million striker Rasmus Hojlund was hauled off for academy whizz Chido Obi in Manchester United’s FA Cup exit to Fulham.The Red Devils, who won last year’s final against rivals Man City, were sent packing on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford last night.Damning stats have emerged regarding Rasmus Hojlund’s performance against FulhamCredit: AlamyChido Obi put in an impressive performance despite Man Utd’s FA Cup exitCredit: GettyVictor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee fluffed their lines as goalie Bernd Leno produced two fine saves to send Fulham to the quarters.And United were once more left to ponder their lack of potency in the final third.Danish striker Hojlund, 22, started the match as he looked to end his barren run in front of goal.The former Atalanta man, signed for £72m in 2023, has just seven goals this term – including only two in the Premier League.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHojlund has not scored since netting a brace in United’s 2-1 Europa League group stage win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12.But he failed to break his duck after being hauled off the 68th minute with United chasing a goal.Frustrated boss Ruben Amorim instead preferred to take his chances with Obi, who is just 17 years old and only joined United’s academy from Arsenal last summer.The teen also failed to net as Bruno Fernandes eventually secured an equaliser for the hosts.Most read in FA CupBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSBut Obi looked extremely lively as Fulham’s defence came under some real pressure.And his stats from last night’s match make for damning reading as far as Hojlund is concerned.Joshua Zirkzee breaks down in tears and is consoled by Man Utd and Fulham stars after penalty shootout missThe latter played for 68 minutes, while Obi – who also featured throughout the additional 30 minutes of extra time – was on the field for 52 minutes.But despite Hojlund getting a longer chance to showcase his abilities, the Dane had just one shot at goal.In comparison, Obi Martin enjoyed three shots in his shorter time.All three were deemed to be “big chances”, showing that he was getting himself in the right positions.And incredibly, that’s the exact same amount of “big chances” that Hojlund has had in ALL 22 of his Premier League matches so far this season.Going back to last night’s match, there were more unfortunate stats for Hojlund.He only completed four passes to Obi’s five.And he was less involved in build-up play with just nine touches to Obi’s 18.Both men lost four of their duels on the ball.But Hojlund could only win one in return, with Obi battling for four successful duels.Their heat maps also make for interesting reading, with Hojlund’s performance barely registering and Obi clearly getting stuck in across several areas of the field.Indeed, former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer felt Obi put himself on the map last night and will now give Amorim a real headache when it comes to selecting the team for United’s next game against Real Sociedad on Thursday.Shearer said: “He’s been a real handful in there you know. He’s certainly offered a lot more than Hojlund has when he was on the pitch.“He’s been a nuisance and tough to play against. I like what I see from Obi, I really do. He’s certainly given them a different option to play with.”Man United legend Wayne Rooney also hailed Obi, adding: “What I’ve really liked about him is that 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.”However, Rooney felt that Hojlund’s poor performance was mainly down to a lack of support from teammates.Urging United’s playmakers to create more opportunities, Wazza continued: “With myself, I had good senior players around me.“Sometimes I made mistakes and had a bad game but I had good players around me. Hojlund is getting no help.“I think United play too slow, the ball speed is too slow, and for the centre-forwards they are just waiting around.“Hojlund’s movement here is really good and he’s unlucky with this one. He has tried and is making runs in behind but United aren’t getting close to help.“He’s trying to hold the ball and use his body, he is a little isolated. He needs someone he can lay the ball off too and he can then get back in the box.READ MORE SUN STORIES“Not just Hojlund but Joshua Zirkzee has given up the ball too many times. “There is not enough creativity and they are not holding up the ball for the midfielders and defenders to support them, it’s a bit of both.” More

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