Man Utd’s frailties exposed in FA Cup exit to Fulham, Europa League now crucial | OneFootball

Manchester United’s FA Cup defence ended on penalties under the floodlights at Old Trafford yesterday.

A campaign that once promised silverware now rests entirely on the Europa League.

Fulham deserved their win. They were organised, composed and took advantage of United’s predictable frailties.

Calvin Bassey’s header from a set piece exposed their chronic vulnerability at corners – something that has plagued them all season.

Despite Bruno Fernandes’ well-taken equaliser, United rarely looked convincing.

The final 12 minutes of normal time summed up their problems. Instead of piling forward, Andre Onana was wasting time at goal-kicks, as if settling for extra time was an achievement.

A United side of old would have thrown everything at Fulham. This version seemed relieved to survive.Ruben Amorim’s substitutions hinted at desperation.

Rasmus Hojlund was replaced by Chido Obi, a move that drew cheers more out of frustration with the Dane’s goalless run than excitement for the teenager.

Casemiro came on for Christian Eriksen, but it changed little. Fulham controlled possession, managed the game, and held their nerve in the shoot-out.

Bernd Leno saved from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee, ensuring Fulham progressed to the quarter-finals. Amorim was left to pick up the pieces of another disappointing night.

This was United’s tenth defeat in 24 games under Amorim. More concerning is the manner of these losses. There is no clear style, no cohesion and little indication that things are improving.

For all the talk of a long-term project, results are what matter. And right now, United are going backwards.

Wayne Rooney questioned Amorim’s ambitions after the match. The former United captain labelled his talk of winning the Premier League as naive, arguing the focus should be on climbing the table first.

Amorim defended himself, insisting that long-term aspirations do not mean short-term struggles are ignored.

However, the reality is that United are 14th in the league, and their FA Cup defence is over. The Europa League is all they have to play for.

Winning a European trophy would salvage something, but the odds are against them. Real Sociedad await in the last 16, and the squad already looks stretched.

Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt cramped up against Fulham, and a 120-minute slog was the worst possible preparation.

Failure in Europe would leave United without continental football next season – a financial and sporting setback they cannot afford.

Amorim says he is not naive. The next few months will put that to the test.