FA Cup holders Manchester United continue their title defence as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford, aiming to book their place in the quarter finals. Fulham arrive at Old Trafford as potential dark horses for this season’s FA Cup, having already eliminated Watford and Wigan to reach the last 16.
Rúben Amorim's United advanced past Leicester City in controversial fashion in the fourth round and will now look to build on their dramatic 3-2 Premier League victory over Ipswich Town. Despite the win, United have struggled for consistency in the league and sit just 14th on the table. With a return to European competition looking uncertain via their league position the FA Cup is a golden opportunity for silverware and UEFA football next season. History is on United’s side, since their last fifth round exit to Liverpool in 2006 they have progressed from this stage in 14 consecutive FA Cup campaigns.
Marco Silva’s men are enjoying a strong run of form winning four of their last five matches across all competitions including a hard fought 2-1 victory over Wolves. The Cottagers are firmly in the battle for European qualification and have been especially dangerous on the road winning their last four away fixtures while scoring at least twice in each of their previous seven. However, United have already beaten Fulham twice this season including a 1-0 victory at Craven Cottage and a win on the opening weekend of the league campaign. Fulham will also have memories of their chaotic FA Cup quarter final loss at Old Trafford in 2023 where Aleksandar Mitrović’s red card contributed to their downfall.
Manchester United will be without Patrick Dorgu, who begins a three match domestic suspension following his red card against Ipswich. He joins a lengthy injury list that includes Lisandro Martínez, Amad Diallo, Luke Shaw, Jonny Evans and Mason Mount. Kobbie Mainoo, Toby Collyer, Tom Heaton, and Altay Bayındır are also not expected to return just yet.
Fulham are missing key players with Emile Smith Rowe, Reiss Nelson, Harry Wilson and Kenny Tete sidelined. However, Sasa Lukić is available despite being suspended from Premier League matches due to yellow card accumulation.
Manchester United possible lineup: Onana; Yoro, De Ligt, Maguire; Mazraoui, Ugarte, Casemiro, Dalot; Garnacho, Fernandes; Zirkzee
Fulham possible lineup: Leno, Castagne, Andersen, Bassey, Robinson; Berge, Lukic; Traore, Pereira, Iwobi; Muniz
