SPOT ON
Darren Fletcher’s touchline antics before Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee’s penalty vs Fulham speak volumes
Wayne Rooney made a damning statement on Man Utd's forwards after the match
MANCHESTER UNITED first team coach Darren Fletcher headed for the tunnel before Joshua Zirkzee had even missed his crucial penalty against Fulham.
The Red Devils contested a penalty shoot-out with Marco Silva's side following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
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With Fulham having scored their first four spot kicks, Zirkzee needed to convert in order to keep the tie alive, as Victor Lindelof had squandered United's previous penalty.
Zirkzee's tame shot was saved by Bernd Leno, thus confirming Fulham's victory.
The tearful Dutchman was consoled by his team-mates following his unfortunate moment.
Per the MEN's , Fletcher hadn't appeared to have much faith in United rescuing the shoot-out.
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He wrote on X: "Darren Fletcher headed for the exit before Joshua Zirkzee took his penalty kick. Everyone knows the score with the team that barely score."
Zirkzee, 23, has scored just three Premier League goals since completing his £36.5million move from Bologna last summer.
Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, has netted just twice in the league this term.
He had already been replaced by 17-year-old Chido Obi prior to the shoot-out.
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After the game, Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney admitted that he would rather have Danny Welbeck still at the club than their current options.
Working as a pundit for the BBC, he said: "Danny's great to play alongside.
Wayne Rooney puffs out cheeks after 'easy' question live on BBC ahead of Man Utd's FA Cup clash vs Fulham
"If I'm completely honest I'd probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.
"He's scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he's having a fantastic season."
The 39-year-old had more encouraging words for teenager Obi.
He added: "What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.
"He looked like the one who could go on and nick it."
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MANCHESTER UNITED crashed out the FA Cup on penalties against Fulham.
Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had poor spot-kicks saved as the Red Devils slipped to their sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.
Fulham broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time with a well-worked corner.
Antonee Robinson darted to the near post and flicked it onto Calvin Bassey who directed his header into the bottom corner brilliantly.
Just as United's frustrations were brewing, Bruno Fernandes was the saviour yet again.
He picked up Diogo Dalot's perfect cut back and fired it beyond the stretch of Bernd Leno.
United had chances towards the end of the second-half, with subs Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi unable to finish.
There was nothing to separate the sides in extra-time and penalties were needed.
Despite well-taken kicks from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee woefully fired directly at Fulham hero Leno.
But which Man Utd players could hold their heads up and which flopped?
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