‘We were clearly the best team’ – Marco Silva’s angry reaction after Fulham’s FA Cup loss to Man Utd | OneFootball

Fulham boss Marco Silva was furious with the referee after Fulham lost 3-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup quarter-final yesterday.

The Cottagers were the better side in the first half at Old Trafford, before breaking the deadlock in the 50th minute through top scorer Aleksandar Mitrovic.

However, the game completely changed after a wild 40-second period that saw their manager, Willian and Mitrovic dismissed.

Referee Chris Kavanagh showed a red card to the Brazilian for his goal-line handball while Silva and Mitrovic were sent off for their protests against the decision.

The visitors were reduced to nine men and United made their numerical superiority count by winning the contest with a comfortable 3-1 scoreline.

The Cottagers boss was furious and blasted the referee in his post-match interview with ITV: “Until that moment, until the penalty moment, we were clearly the best team on the pitch.

“Of course, we respect Manchester United,  but it was clear we’re the best team on the pitch.

“What is difficult for us to understand is, in the first half, the two moments in their penalty box – and one of them is a clear penalty on Mitrovic, and no one checked.”

When asked if he let his team down, the 45-year-old replied: “Of course, in that moment I shouldn’t be sent off. I have to be there -; it’s my place to be there.

“That moment if you ask me if that’s something I’m happy with of course not.

“If you ask me if I should have been sent off, I have my doubts. I would like to know what the referee is going to write about what I said to him.”

Willian handball was a clear penalty

Fulham have been impressive this season and may qualify for Europe at the end of the campaign.

They played superbly at Old Trafford on Sunday and looked on course to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-final.

Without the brilliance of David de Gea between the sticks, they could have scored a few goals.

However, Willian’s clearance with his hand to deny Jadon Sancho was an obvious penalty and Silva’s protests were baffling.

If Silva and Mitrovic had controlled their emotions, Fulham may still have upset the odds at Old Trafford.