Goldbridge: Man Utd’s problems go beyond Fulham defeat | OneFootball

Manchester United’s FA Cup Exit to Fulham: A Club in Crisis?

Manchester United’s FA Cup campaign ended in bitter disappointment as they were knocked out on penalties by Fulham at Old Trafford. Mark Goldbridge, in his raw and emotional reaction on The United Stand, did not hold back in his assessment of the situation, describing the club’s state as “absolutely dreadful” and “on its arse” following another lacklustre performance.

While fans hoped for a deep run in the competition, the nature of United’s defeat—and the manner in which they played—raised deeper concerns about the club’s trajectory under the ownership of INEOS. “This club is so close to being finished it’s scary,” Goldbridge said. “It goes beyond losing a game on penalties to Fulham. The club is broken, it is demolished, it is destroyed.”

Lack of Quality and a Predictable Outcome

Manchester United’s performance throughout the 120 minutes was uninspiring, with many of the same issues plaguing the team. “People talk about systems, people talk about formations, but that’s not responsible for footballers doing the basics,” Goldbridge fumed. “Too many of our players can’t do the basics—they don’t play the right pass, they shoot instead of crossing. They just smack a ball anywhere and hope.”

Goldbridge acknowledged Fulham’s quality and their deserved victory, stating, “As much as I’m angry, it would be totally and utterly disrespectful to Fulham to say they didn’t deserve to win the game. A penalty shootout is a lottery, and we put ourselves in a lottery at Old Trafford.”

Despite United having moments of promise, their final-third decision-making was again under scrutiny. “Every time we had an attack, it was always the wrong pass. Pass instead of shoot, shoot instead of pass—we just don’t have the discipline or technicality in the final third.”

The Bigger Picture: A Club in Decline

Goldbridge repeatedly emphasised that United’s issues go far beyond a single cup exit. His frustration with the club’s ownership and their decision-making was a dominant theme. “This football club is on its arse because INEOS bailed out the worst thing that’s ever happened to our football club in its history. The Glazers are still here, and this football club is absolutely screwed.”

Photo IMAGO

He also highlighted United’s growing financial problems and the risks of missing out on European football next season: “If we don’t get European football, I think we’re staring at oblivion. Everybody in the transfer market knows we’re desperate, and that makes us weak. We are financially screwed.”

For Goldbridge, the current crisis isn’t just about poor results on the pitch—it’s about the club’s failure to build a functional, competitive squad. He pointed out the lack of investment in key areas, particularly in squad depth: “Look at the bench—it’s shameful that he’s bringing on teenagers because that’s all he’s got. The team is just not good enough.”

Questionable Decisions and Player Ratings

Goldbridge did not shy away from criticising some of the penalty takers chosen by Manchester United, particularly Victor Lindelof. “I don’t get why Lindelof is taking a penalty. We’ve got technically gifted attackers who know how to strike a ball. Lindelof’s penalty was absolutely shocking.”

Photo IMAGO

While some players showed fight, overall, the team lacked the quality required at this level. “Diogo Dalot’s first half was poor, but he grew into the game. Bruno Fernandes had good energy but played chaos football.”

Goldbridge was, however, full of praise for Matthijs de Ligt, stating, “He was brilliant today. Absolute rock. My man of the match.”

Photo IMAGO

What Next for United?

With FA Cup elimination confirmed, United now face the daunting reality of trying to secure European football through their league position. Goldbridge was blunt in his outlook: “We have no chance of doing anything domestically now. We are absolutely done.”

Reflecting on the club’s long-term future, he questioned whether new manager Rúben Amorim had been set up for failure. “I like Amorim, I back Amorim. But was he the right pick for this football club if they were going to do what they’ve done? No.”

His final words summed up the frustration of many United fans: “This club has never been in a situation like this. And we’ve been in some right holes over the last decade, but this? This has never been as bad.”