Leno Stars as Fulham Knock Out FA Cup Holders Manchester United

TDT | Manama

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Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno turned hero at Old Trafford, saving two penalties to clinch a 4-3 shootout win over FA Cup holders Manchester United after a gripping 1-1 draw through extra time. As someone who’s watched countless cup ties, I can say this fifth-round clash had everything—drama, tension, and a goalkeeper stepping up when it mattered most. 

Shootout Drama Seals Quarter-Final Spot

The match stretched into penalties after United’s Bruno Fernandes canceled out Calvin Bassey’s first-half opener for Fulham. Extra time yielded no goals, leaving it to the spot-kicks. Leno stood tall, first denying Victor Lindelof and then thwarting Joshua Zirkzee’s effort—straight at him—to spark jubilation among the Fulham faithful. Raul Jimenez, Sander Berge, Willian, and Antonee Robinson all held their nerve to score, booking a quarter-final date with Crystal Palace.

It was a night where Leno’s instincts shone. “The goalie coach gave me info, but I trust my gut more,” he told the BBC post-match. “I went the wrong way three times, but our takers were brilliant.” For a keeper, that’s the kind of cool-headedness that defines a cup run.

Goals and Chances in a Tense Affair

Fulham struck first just before halftime, catching United napping from an Andreas Pereira corner. Rodrigo Muniz nodded it on, and Bassey—making his FA Cup debut—headed home in stoppage time. United fought back in the 71st minute when Diogo Dalot’s cut-back found Fernandes, who rifled a left-footed shot past Leno from inside the box to force extra time.

Both sides had their moments late on. United’s Andre Onana denied Emile Smith Rowe, while Leno twice foiled Alejandro Garnacho and 17-year-old Chido Obi in a frantic finish to normal time. It was end-to-end stuff, the kind of FA Cup tie that keeps you guessing.

Fulham’s Edge, United’s Struggles

Fulham boss Marco Silva was adamant his side deserved it outright. “We were the best team on the pitch, dominating the ball,” he said. “We should’ve won in 90 minutes.” He’s got a point—Fulham looked sharper for stretches, and their ninth-place Premier League standing (five spots above United’s 14th) backs that up. United, under Ruben Amorim, have faltered this season despite last year’s cup triumph over Manchester City.

Amorim, though, stayed defiant. “We had the best chances,” he argued. “Penalties can go either way, and today wasn’t ours. The goal’s still the Premier League—we keep pushing, no matter what.” Fair, but United’s 13 FA Cup titles felt distant yesterday.

A Shot at Wembley

For Fulham, this is a step closer to ending a 50-year wait for another FA Cup final—their only one came in 1975, a 2-0 loss to West Ham. Leno’s already eyeing Wembley. “Two years ago, we lost here in the quarters to United—now we’re back in the last eight,” he said. “We want that final, 100%.” After yesterday’s heroics, you wouldn’t bet against him.