Manchester United, last year’s FA Cup winners, were eliminated by Fulham after a penalty shoot-out at Old Trafford this evening. The match ended 1-1 after extra time. Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had their penalties saved by Fulham’s Bernd Leno making them win the shoot-out 4-3.
Speaking to the BBC, Ruben Amorim said that the goal is for Manchester United to win the Premier League. But the club’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney responded, saying: “I think it’s a little bit naive to say, ‘We’re looking to win the Premier League’, because, from where they are now, they are a long way off that.”
Asked in the press conference to respond to that accusation of naivety from Rooney, Amorim defended his comments.
“Our goal is to win the Premier League. Maybe it is not with me but our goal as a club, the board, is winning the Premier League like we did in the past with all the great glories and the legends of this club.
“We want to do better and we know that we are in a difficult moment. And I am not naive. That is why I am here coaching Manchester United at 40 years old.”
“Being naive is to think that we are going to do this season or are going to be the best contender for the next season. I know that in this moment everybody knows everything. I was a pundit when I finished my career. I know it is really easy.
Fulham played better overall but United nearly secured a win in extra time. Chido Obi, a 17-year-old forward, had a shot saved by Leno. Calvin Bassey scored for Fulham just before half-time, heading in from a corner. United equalized in the 71st minute thanks to a goal from Bruno Fernandes.
United had chances to win the match, with players like Emile Smith Rowe and Alejandro Garnacho coming close. In penalties, United scored their first three shots. However, Lindelof and Zirkzee missed their kicks, while Fulham did not need to take their fifth penalty.
Fulham will now play against Crystal Palace, hoping for their first FA Cup victory. Last year, United salvaged their season with an FA Cup win over Manchester City. This year, their performance has been disappointing for fans. Erik ten Hag’s team struggled for long stretches against Fulham. Silva noted that Fulham actively sought to control the game, while United played defensively. Players like Garnacho provided some excitement, but the overall play was lacking.
United still have the Europa League to focus on, with a match against Real Sociedad coming up. Injuries are piling up, including Harry Maguire’s late substitution. The team aims to be competitive despite these challenges.
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