FA Cup: Bassey scores as Fulham eliminate Man United on penalties

Calvin Bassey scored the opener as Fulham defeated Manchester United 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 scoreline in their English FA Cup fifth round tie at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Bassey was his usual menacing presence at both ends of the pitch to help Fulham send Man United, reigning FA Cup champions, out of the competition.

Ruben Amrim dropped Alejandro Garnacho to the bench following his antics last weekend. He fielded his strongest XI led by Bruno Fernandes and fumbling Andre Onana between the sticks.

Lenny Yoro was also handed a starting spot in defence, Christian Eriksen was preferred to Casemiro in defence, while Rasmus  Hojlund started in attack and his goals drought continued.

Alex Iwobi, another Super Eagles international, played all 90 minutes and was substituted in extra time due to fatigue.

Man United showed good attacking intent in the early exchanges, with Bruno Fernandes going close and Hojlund hitting the side netting.

However, it was Fulham who would go into the break ahead with a goal on the stroke of halftime through Bassey.

The 25-year-old defender rose highest to meet Andreas Pereira’s corner kick delivery and nod into the net for 1-0. It was Bassey’s first goal in his first ever FA Cup appearance.

Man United looked flat and bereft of response despite being a goal down, and they were pulled level thanks to Fernandes’ well-taken goal. The Portuguese international collected a pass from Diogo Dalot before guiding the ball into the bottom corner from 16 yards out for 1-1 in the 76th minute.

Both sides could not find the decisive goal in 90 minutes and 30 minutes of play despite the efforts of Chido Obi-Martin, the energetic youngster who came on as a substitute, who Bernd Leno, the Fulham goalkeeper, denied extra time. Leno would prove the hero for Fulham in the penalty shootout as he saved from both Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee for the Cottagers to trump the Red Devils 4-3 on penalties.

In the other FA Cup fifth round match of the day, Brighton scored an extra-time winner to advance into the quarter-final stage. Danny Welbeck’s 118th-minute strike sealed a 2-1 win for the Seagull over Newcastle United at St. James’ Park, in a match both sides finished with ten men.