Manchester United's recent FA Cup exit at the hands of Fulham has intensified scrutiny on manager Rúben Amorim. The defeat, sealed by a penalty shootout loss at Old Trafford, not only ends United's hopes in this competition but also raises pressing questions about the direction of the club under Amorim's leadership.
The loss to Fulham signifies United's elimination from both domestic cup competitions this season, having previously exited the Carabao Cup. Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the team's aspirations for a top-four finish—and the accompanying Champions League qualification—appear increasingly unattainable. This leaves the Europa League as the sole remaining avenue for silverware and a potential route back into Europe's premier club competition. United are slated to face Real Sociedad in the upcoming round, a tie that now carries heightened significance.
Critics have been vocal about Amorim's tactical decisions during the Fulham match. The team's persistent issue of conceding first—having done so in 16 of their last 24 games—was evident once more. Additionally, United's struggles to find the net in the first half, failing to do so in 17 of their last 19 matches, highlight ongoing offensive challenges. The inability to defend set-pieces was glaring, with Fulham's Calvin Bassey capitalizing on poor marking to nod in the opener from a corner.
The match also spotlighted individual performances and selection dilemmas. Captain Bruno Fernandes once again emerged as a pivotal figure, scoring the equalizer and attempting to rally the team. In contrast, the decision to field Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee as the starting forwards yielded limited offensive threat, prompting questions about their efficacy in leading the attack. Substitutes Chido Obi and Alejandro Garnacho injected much-needed dynamism, with both coming close to scoring in extra time, suggesting they may warrant starting roles in future fixtures.
The penalty shootout further exposed questionable choices. Victor Lindelöf, who had minimal first-team action in 2025, was entrusted with a spot-kick but saw his attempt saved by Fulham's goalkeeper, Bernd Leno. Similarly, Zirkzee's miss added to the team's woes. The selection of penalty takers, especially given Lindelöf's limited playtime, has been a focal point of criticism directed at Amorim.
With domestic cup opportunities extinguished and league performance faltering, the Europa League emerges as a critical focal point for salvaging the season. Amorim faces mounting pressure to galvanize his squad, rectify tactical shortcomings, and navigate a path to European success. The forthcoming fixtures will not only test the team's resilience but also potentially determine Amorim's tenure at the helm of Manchester United.
Manchester United\'s Cup Dreams Are Over – What Next For Amorim