Ruben Amorim suffered a 10th defeat as Manchester United head coach as his side exited the FA Cup via penalties against Fulham at Old Trafford.
Locking horns with his compatriot Marco Silva, the Premier League rivals delivered a rather uninspiring contest that ended 1-1 after 120 minutes of play.
In what has become a familiar sight for the Stretford End, United fell behind in first-half stoppage time when Calvin Bassey headed home from close range after Rodrigo Muniz had guided a well-worked corner kick into his path.
But, despite the multiple strokes of negativity routinely attributed to this underperforming squad, they have developed a backbone and refuse to let their heads drop.
Amusingly, days after former fan-favourite Roy Keane supplied a scathing synopsis of the leadership capabilities of Bruno Fernandes, the Portuguese magician levelled proceedings with a second-half touch of class.
Despite plenty of huffing at either end of the field, both sides fashioned genuine opportunities to seal the tie without the need for spot kicks.
Emile Smith-Rowe was introduced from the bench and pulled the best from Andre Onana in the dying minutes before the exciting Chido Obi commanded a similar response from Bernd Leno at the other end.
Inevitably, following three expertly taken penalties from both sides, the German shot-stopper repelled Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to seal the Cottager’s name in the quarter-final hat.
When it rains, it pours for Manchester United
United entered the fixture with four Premier League points from a possible six, and the slightest scent of momentum threatening to surface at the home of the 20-time English champions.
But, the vulnerabilities of this group appear weekly – from the erratic decision-making of Onana to the goalscoring issues burdening Rasmus Hojlund and former Bologna superstar Zirkzee.
That’s before you consider the eight first-team injuries that have limited an already weary Amorim when attempting to select his strongest XI.
In contrast, Fulham arrived in the North West with the league’s sixth-best away record and four consecutive road victories. There was more than a hint of possibility in Silva’s eyes despite enduring back-to-back defeats against the Reds.
Although a subsection of disgruntled supporters has opted to wash their hands with the former Sporting chief, the majority appreciate his logic and desire to implement his preferred philosophy.
For many, he must be given a summer window to play a role in incomings and outgoings, with several players required to bolster his majestic vision.
However, it is imperative to recognise fault, and his 10 defeats in 24 outings is a ghastly statistic – especially when his predecessor, Erik ten Hag, did not accomplish the same feat until his 55th fixture.
Ahead of Thursday’s trip to Spain for a Europa League last-16 encounter with Real Sociedad, the eggs are now firmly placed in a continental basket.
Good things generally come to those who wait. But, will the Manchester United hierarchy remain committed to their mid-season appointment?
Let us know your thoughts following a disappointing FA Cup exit in the comments or across our social channels.
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