United will be looking to build on the midweek victory over Ipswich Town when they host Fulham at Old Trafford in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday. The Reds secured a hard-fought 3-2 win against the Tractor Boys, while Fulham enter the cup tie in good form after defeating Wolves 2-1 in their latest Premier League encounter.
United’s Recent Form
United’s win against Ipswich brought some much-needed relief after a concerning run of results under Ruben Amorim. Prior to Wednesday’s victory, United had taken just one point from their previous three league matches, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League table – a staggering 13 points away from European qualification spots.
The midweek victory wasn’t without its challenges, as Patrick Dorgu received a straight red card, forcing United to play the entire second half with ten men. Despite this disadvantage, Harry Maguire’s aerial prowess once again proved decisive as he headed home the winner to complete a spirited comeback.
United’s home form remains a significant concern, having failed to keep a clean sheet at Old Trafford since December 1. This defensive vulnerability could prove costly against a Fulham side that has been scoring freely on their travels.
FA Cup Credentials
The FA Cup arguably represents United’s most realistic route back to European competition, with Amorim’s men still in the Europa League as another potential pathway. History favours United in the FA Cup, as we’ve won our last 14 FA Cup fifth-round ties since being eliminated by Liverpool in the 2005-06 season.
United’s journey to this stage has included a controversial 2-1 victory over Leicester City in the fourth round, where Harry Maguire’s offside winner stood due to the absence of VAR technology – a decision that former United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy, managing Leicester at the time, described as occurring in “offside time” rather than “Fergie time.”
Fulham’s Challenge
Marco Silva’s Cottagers arrive at Old Trafford in excellent form, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their away record is particularly impressive, with victories in their last four road games and having scored at least twice in each of their last seven away fixtures.
Rodrigo Muniz has been Fulham’s standout performer, netting a brace against Wigan in the previous round and scoring the winner against Wolves in midweek with a delightful chip. The Brazilian striker will be eager to continue his goalscoring run against United’s shaky defense.
Unlike United, Fulham find themselves firmly in the race for European qualification in the Premier League, sitting in the top half of the table. They’ll view this cup tie as a golden opportunity to advance against the holders, who are clearly not at their best.
Team News
United’s injury crisis continues to hamper Amorim’s selection options. Dorgu’s suspension adds to an already lengthy absentee list that includes Lisandro Martinez (ACL), Amad Diallo (ankle), Luke Shaw (calf), Jonny Evans (back), and Mason Mount (thigh). Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayindir remain unavailable, while Alejandro Garnacho should be available despite picking up a knock against Ipswich.
Noussair Mazraoui is expected to return to the starting lineup to compensate for Dorgu’s absence, with Manuel Ugarte likely to continue in midfield after his recent return from injury.
Fulham will be without Emile Smith Rowe due to an ankle injury sustained against Crystal Palace, while Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson, and Kenny Tete remain on the sidelines. Sasa Lukic is available for selection as his Premier League suspension doesn’t apply to cup competitions.
Predicted Lineup
Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire;
Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot;
Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee
Form Guide
Manchester United form (all competitions): LWLDW
Fulham form (all competitions): LWDLW
Prediction
Given United’s defensive frailties and Fulham’s potent attack on the road, this has all the makings of an entertaining cup tie. While the United showed character to overcome Ipswich with ten men, their overall form remains unconvincing.
Having said that, there seems to be something about United in the FA Cup, and the resilience shown in the second half against Ipswich when down to ten men was encouraging. We expect United to progress narrowly.
United 2-2 Fulham (United win on penalties)
