Manchester United’s dismal season hit a new low as the FA Cup holders crashed out after a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat against Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday as Ruben Amorim’s comments left Wayne Rooney baffled.
The Red Devils saw their hopes of retaining the trophy they won against Manchester City last year vanish at Old Trafford.
The defeat marks another setback in what has been a testing campaign for the 13-time FA Cup winners.
Fulham caught United flat-footed to strike first blood seconds before halftime, with Calvin Bassey heading home from Andreas Pereira’s corner.
Ruben Amorim’s United were beaten by Fulham on penalties
Reuters
Bruno Fernandes levelled in the 71st minute with a superb low finish into the far corner from Diogo Dalot’s cross.
After a scrappy extra-time period ended 1-1, Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno emerged as the hero in the shoot-out.
He saved penalties from both Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee to secure Fulham’s place in the quarter-finals.
Despite the defeat, Amorim remained defiant about his long-term vision for the club.
“The goal is to win the Premier League,” he told BBC Sport after the match. “I know that we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again.”
“I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what.”
Former United striker Wayne Rooney disagreed with Amorim’s lofty ambitions.
“I think it’s a little naive to say they’re looking to win the Premier League because from where they are now, they’re a long way off that,” Rooney told BBC.
The United legend suggested a more realistic approach was needed.
Fulham knocked out United on penalties on Sunday afternoonReuters
“To get further up the table, I think that’s the next step for them,” he added.
United are languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, with their season continuing to unravel.
The club has endured another testing week, with 200 job cuts announced and struggles against Everton and Ipswich.
Only the Europa League remains as a chance for silverware this season.
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Wayne Rooney was left baffled by Ruben Amorim comments
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Amorim, who arrived in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag, admitted that life is “hard” just now for United.
United now face a crucial week as they look to salvage something from their season.
They head to Real Sociedad for the Europa League last 16 first leg on Thursday.
This will be followed by a challenging Premier League fixture against Arsenal at Old Trafford.
With European qualification through league position looking increasingly difficult, the Europa League may represent United’s best route back into continental competition next season.