Manchester United Crash Out of FA Cup After Penalty Shootout Defeat to Fulham at Old Trafford

Manchester United's defense of their FA Cup title came to an abrupt end as they were eliminated by Fulham in a penalty shootout at Old Trafford. The fifth-round match concluded 1-1 after extra time, with Fulham triumphing 4-3 in the shootout.  

Fulham's Calvin Bassey opened the scoring just before halftime, heading in a goal that put the visitors ahead. Manchester United responded in the second half, with Bruno Fernandes equalizing to force extra time.  

The match proceeded to penalties after neither side could find a winner in extra time. Fulham's goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, emerged as the hero, saving attempts from Victor Lindelöf and Joshua Zirkzee. Fulham converted all four of their penalties, securing their place in the quarter-finals.  

This defeat adds to Manchester United's challenging season, as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League and have been eliminated from both domestic cup competitions. Their focus now shifts to the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in the last 16.