Manchester United’s journey in the FA Cup took another dramatic turn as they edged past Fulham in a tense encounter that tested every aspect of their squad. While Erik ten Hag’s men secured the victory, the match left fans with mixed emotions—some players shined under the pressure, while others barely managed to keep up. Who were the real heroes of the night, and who left supporters questioning their place in the squad?

United’s recent form has been anything but stable, with inconsistency plaguing their performances. Yet, heading into this FA Cup clash, expectations remained high. Fulham, despite being underdogs, came prepared to fight, showing resilience that nearly caused a major upset.

But as the final whistle blew, it was United who stood tall, securing a place in the next round—though not without controversy, nervous moments, and individual displays that will be remembered for better or worse.

→ Swipe to see more articles

Related Posts

Justin Bieber’s Troubling Behavior: Fans Fear a Dark Turn Amid Public Outcry

David Beckham Watches Thrilling MLS

The New Pope’s Darkest Test: Will Past Decisions on Sex Abuse Haunt the Future of the Catholic Church?

Unveiling the Unexpected: FBI’s Shocking Discovery at Whoopi Goldberg’s Estate!

Bombshell Discovery at Noah’s Ark Site Could Finally Prove the Biblical Story True—What Did Researchers Find?

Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick

One player who continues to rise to the occasion is Bruno Fernandes. The Portuguese playmaker once again proved why he remains the heart of this team, dictating play and delivering crucial moments when it mattered most.

His leadership and creativity kept United’s attacking intent alive, ensuring the team didn’t collapse under Fulham’s relentless pressure. Fans have grown used to Fernandes carrying the team at times, and this match was no exception.

However, not everyone in United’s squad met the standard. The defensive unit once again raised concerns, with moments of indecision that allowed Fulham to push forward more often than Ten Hag would have liked.

While Raphael Varane’s experience helped stabilize the backline at key moments, others failed to inspire confidence.

The lack of cohesion between United’s defenders continues to be an issue, and had Fulham been more clinical, the result could have been very different.

Upfront, Marcus Rashford’s performance left fans divided. The England international, who has struggled for consistency this season, showed flashes of brilliance but lacked the cutting edge that made him unstoppable in previous campaigns.

His decision-making in the final third was questionable at times, leading to missed opportunities that could have put the game beyond doubt much earlier. With United relying heavily on their attack to bail them out in recent matches, Rashford’s form remains a concern.

Meanwhile, summer signing Rasmus Højlund, despite his immense potential, continues to find himself under scrutiny. While his work rate cannot be questioned, his finishing and positioning in crucial moments need refining.

The young striker is still adapting to the intensity of English football, but United fans are hoping to see more clinical displays from him as the season progresses.

One of the biggest talking points of the match was the goalkeeping situation. André Onana, who arrived with high expectations, produced a mixed performance.

While he made key saves to keep United in the game, there were also moments of uncertainty that added unnecessary tension. Onana’s ability to play out from the back is an asset, but lapses in concentration have been costly at times.

With the goalkeeper position being one of the most scrutinized at Old Trafford, questions remain over whether he is truly the long-term solution between the posts.

For Fulham, the night was a case of what could have been. The London side played with intensity and had their chances, exposing weaknesses in United’s midfield and defense.

João Palhinha was a standout performer, dominating the midfield battle and proving why he has been linked with top clubs in recent transfer windows. Despite their efforts, Fulham fell short, but their performance will undoubtedly give them confidence moving forward.

As United advance in the FA Cup, Ten Hag will know that his team cannot afford to rely on individual brilliance alone. There are glaring issues that need addressing, particularly in defense and finishing.

If United are to lift silverware this season, these inconsistencies must be resolved.

For now, though, they survive. And in cup football, sometimes survival is all that matters. But for United’s players, the pressure is mounting, and fans will be expecting much more in the next round.