Manchester United continue their defence of the FA Cup crown when they take on Fulham in the fifth round on Sunday.
It has been a disappointing season for Manchester United in the Premier League, but there is still hope that Ruben Amorim’s side can end the season winning silverware.
United are back in FA Cup action this weekend when they take on Fulham. A win would see the Reds book a place in the quarter-finals and a step closer to defending the trophy.
On the way to the fifth round, United knocked out Arsenal and Leicester City, so they’ve all Premier League ties since the very beginning.
The draw for the quarter-finals will take place at Old Trafford on Sunday once the game is over.
Without further ado, here are five things to watch out for when United take on Fulham in the FA Cup.
Manchester United boast impressive FA Cup record vs Fulham
The Reds are looking to reach the quarter-finals for the 10th time in the last 11 seasons.
Winning just have won just one of their last 21 meetings across all competitions (D3 L17), Fulham have a terrible record against United in the FA Cup.
It bodes well that United have recent history of turning up in the FA Cup, having lifted the trophy under Erik ten Hag despite enduring a terrible Premier League season.
Bruno Fernandes loves the FA Cup
Despite only winning the FA Cup for the first time in May, with United beating Man City 2-1 in the final, Bruno Fernandes’ stats tell us he loves playing in football’s oldest cup competition.
The Portugal international has been involved in 11 goal contributions in his last 11 appearances in the FA Cup, scoring seven and assisting four.
Fernandes has only failed to register a goal contribution in two of these 11 matches.
United will be relying on Fernandes to provide the goods against Fulham on Sunday.
Fulham seek revenge
When United and Fulham last met in the FA Cup, Marco Silva was sent off for having a meltdown at Old Trafford.
The Cottagers led 1-0 with 15 minutes to play but a complete capitulation followed from Willian’s handball, which started with the Brazilian winger being shown a red card.
Silva proceeded to protest on the touchline before being sent off, before Aleksandar Mitrovic pushed referee Chris Kavanagh and ended up joining them for an early shower.
United went on to beat Fulham 3-1 as Fernandes scored a brace.
Only time will tell if this meeting between the two sides will have as much drama.
Manchester United looking for treble over Fulham
United have beaten Fulham 1-0 twice already this season.
Joshua Zirkzee scored a late winner against the Cottagers in August and he will be looking to add to his season tally (5).
Sadly, United will be without their goalscorer at Craven Cottage as Lisandro Martinez misses the rest of the season through injury.
The two defeats won’t change Fulham’s mentality going into the game because they’ve seen how inconsistent United have been this season, and they narrowly lost on both occasions.
Antonee Robinson is one to watch
Although United signed a new left wing-back in January, Fulham’s Antonee Robinson is thought to have been on the club’s radar following his impressive performances in the Premier League.
The United States international is key to how Fulham play after recording 10 Premier League assists this season. That is at least four more than any other defender in the league.
Robinson is renowned for creating chances, successful crosses and progressive carries.
United will need to be alert defensively to deal with Robinson.
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