The allure of the FA Cup provides an undeniable sense of possibility and enchantment for many. For Manchester United, it supplies an escape from the harsh realities of domestic torment.
Not forgetting a dismal campaign, but it will be 638 days since the Old Trafford giants last tasted defeat in the famous cup when action gets underway against Fulham on Sunday.
Back-to-back Manchester encounters in the Wembley showpiece have offered a glimmer of possibility for a disgruntled fanbase, and a place in another quarter-final is within touching distance.
But nothing is being taken for granted against a dangerous London outfit who enjoy the sixth-best away record in England’s top flight.
Momentum is a long-forgotten word in the North West. However, four points from a possible six have generated a semblance of possibility, as a Bruno Fernandes-inspired outfit has portrayed real grit in recent outings.
With a capacity crowd expected to offer a partisan surrounding, Ruben Amorim will demand an intense display from his side as Marco Silva aims to heap further misery on his compatriot.
Manchester United FA Cup team news
Patrick Dorgu will be unavailable following an unfortunate sending-off during his side’s 3-2 victory over Ipswich Town. The Dane will serve the first of a three-game ban.
Amorim has already confirmed that his squad options remain the same for the visit of the Cottagers, with a host of first-team players still absent due to injury.
Lisandro Martinez, Amad and Kobbie Mainoo are all long-term concerns, while Toby Collyer, Altay Bayindir, and Tom Heaton are closing in on a return.
“No, I think no one different is back,” Ruben stated in his pre-match press conference. “They are still trying to recover to help us in the next games.
“It’s really important for us [the FA Cup], but nowadays everything is important. Like the last win, just the feeling of winning, the way we work in the last days is completely different.
“So, we want to go to the next stage, to have two wins at home, especially at home, we need that feeling.”
Alejandro Garnacho has been the subject of much conversation following his substitution against the Tractor Boys.
Amorim confirmed the youngster had picked up a knock during the outing but is hopeful he will be available for selection.
“When he went to shoot when it was blocked almost inside the box [against Ipswich],” the coach confirmed.
“He has a knock, I expect him to be ready, but we will see. I have to wait until tomorrow.”
Historically, United have been too strong for Fulham in knockout competition, and the 13-time winners progressed from the previous nine FA Cup meetings.
Furthermore, the Reds have suffered only one defeat in the last 21 encounters (won 17, drawn three) and have earned back-to-back 1-0 Premier League wins this season.
Despite a rotten time of late, Manchester United possess a genuine FA Cup pedigree and have prevailed in their last 14 fifth-round outings, last suffering defeat to Liverpool 19 years ago.
With action getting underway at 4:30 PM GMT, how do you feel about the latest Cup installation for Amorim’s men?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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