Another setback has begun Ruben Amorim's busy week.
Manchester United had hope for their season in two cup matches, but Fulham ultimately defeated them in a 4-3 penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw. United's Joshua Zirkzee and Victor Lindelöf missed crucial penalties, leading to their elimination from the FA Cup.
Increased strain for Thursday's journey to San Sebastian as Amorim's cup exit closes a door. Europa League offers a trophy and Champions League spot. Success hinges on winning, but their performance against Fulham lacked cutting edge.
He feels frustrated at times but praised his coaching staff for improving defense on set pieces.
Fulham scored from a set piece at the end of one of United's strong first halves under the coach's leadership, representing a "one step forward, two steps back" start at Old Trafford.
Calvin Bassey scored easily at the back post after Rodrigo Muniz's flick-on, despite a questionable corner call. Mazraoui and Ugarte may request a rematch.
United let up the first goal for the sixth consecutive game. United has let up the opening goal sixteen times in Amorim's twenty-four games as manager. That's a bad statistic in and of itself, but especially when the squad is having trouble scoring. United has gone 19 straight first halves without scoring from open play, and they are goalless in the opening forty-five minutes once again.
Amorim has an extensive list of issues. He was only able to list seven substitutes rather than the allowed nine, among other reasons. Two of the goalkeepers on the bench were young.
The longevity of Bruno Fernandes is fortunate for Amorim. After receiving further criticism from former captain Roy Keane in the past week, the Portuguese midfielder once again showed why he is United's most valuable player. He may not be among the club's greatest midfield players ever, like Keane or Paul Scholes, but he is without a doubt the team's best player.
Fernandes ghosted in to flick Diogo Dalot's cross into the bottom corner, bringing United level in the second half. He made it appear easy, yet the technique was outstanding.
Fernandes leads the league in goals and assists with a total of 11 goals and 12 assists. He has scored six game-changing goals this season, including three winners and three equalizers. Despite his effort in a penalty shootout, Bernd Leno saved attempts from Lindelof and Zirkzee. The Fulham goalie made crucial stops against Garnacho and Obi to keep the score tied.
The quarterfinal matchup for Fulham is against Crystal Palace. Amorim has to win the Europa League or lose.
In his 25 games since taking Erik ten Hag's place in November, the Portuguese coach has suffered 10 defeats. Although United won't agree that he may be under pressure so early in his career, it was acknowledged prior to the loss to Fulham that cup tournaments are crucial for generating interest in the season and opening doors to Europe.
United is currently only in the Europa League after finishing in 14th place in the Premier League standings and being eliminated from the FA Cup. Real Sociedad faces an important week under Amorim's brief rule.