Manchester United scored three to cancel Aleksandar Mitrovic’s second half goal, killing cottagers dream of advancing to the FA semi finals.
The gritty Fulham had made sure that first half ended on a barren draw as they spoilt all United’s advances to kill the game in first half. The entire United team looked fatigued, and the evidence was even worse on their talisman, Marcus Rashford. The inform striker was shadowed all the time that he was on the field of play so much so that any move which he tried to fashion was dealt a blow with the well-organised Fulham defence.
The cottegers constantly posed a threat to United’s steady defence, which was being manned by World Cup winner Lisandro Martinez. But United’s tenacity at the defence didn’t last long after a flurry of corners that were won by Fulham side. Finally, the visitors converted one of the corners, which left the home team in disarray.
As it has recently been said by Manchester United fans, “Rule number one is that you don’t score first against Manchester United”. Rule number two is “Remember rule number one”. Man United got a penalty kick after Willian, a former Chelsea and Arsenal player, deliberately stopped the ball from getting into the net using his hand. After a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) evaluation confirmed Willian’s infringement, the centre referee awarded the home team a penalty, but Aleksandar Mitrovic – the scorer of Fulham’s only goal – obstructed the referee, brushing him aside, which earned him a straight red card even before Willian would also be red-carded for the intentional handball. Bruno Fernandes stepped forward and slotted the ball home.
After just five minutes, Sabitzer flicked in another cross to give the home team a 2-1 lead.
The 9-man team looked demoralised and weakened in all the departments, something that worked to the advantage of United. Bruno Fernandes then got another pass from Fred. He shot a sreemer past Fulham goalie, who is also former Arsenal’s custodian Bernd Leno, to put United at 3-1, a result that ensured their advancement to the next stage of semis, where they’ll meet Brighton.
