Manchester United will face Brighton in the FA Cup semi-finals after coming from a goal down to beat nine-man Fulham in a remarkable game.
The visitors were much the stronger side for most of the game, deservedly going ahead through Aleksandar Mitrovic, who almost scored a second. But when Willian handled the ball on the line and was duly sent off, Mitrovic and manager Marco Silva were also dismissed for wild protests.
Bruno Fernandes scored from the penalty spot and a minute later Marcel Sabitzer added a second in a scarcely believable five-minute spell. Fernandes sealed the points with a wonderful stoppage-time strike.
Dom Smith was on hand to rate the Manchester United players…
David De Gea — 8
Superb. Made an excellent save from Aleksandar Mitrovic when United were 1-0 down. It kept the Red Devils in the cup tie. Now they’re in the semi-finals.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka — 6
Steady down the right but didn’t provide the attacking threat Erik Ten Hag will have wanted from him.
Harry Maguire — 5
Got himself booked in the first half and conceded further free-kicks in the second. Could do with the international break to get away from Carrington, as has been said about him for about two years.
Lisandro Martinez — 7
Lost the aerial battle with Aleksandar Mitrovic due to his (lack of) height, but was tidy on the ball and did not labour when he had the chance to get United moving up the pitch.
Luke Shaw — 7
An attacking outlet down the left-hand side as always, but not as defensively secure as he has been in recent weeks. Assisted Sabitzer for the winning goal with a great cross.
Scott McTominay — 5
A bit absent in midfield. Didn’t grasp the opportunity.
Marcel Sabitzer — 7
A quiet start but his influence grew. Has always had an eye for goal and tested Leno multiple times before scoring with an audacious flicked back heel.
Jadon Sancho — 6
Played quite well in the first half but fell away in the second. Still finding his feet at United, more than a year and a half after he swapped Dortmund for Manchester.
Bruno Fernandes — 8 | Star man
Rarely does he go unnoticed. Crossed well, recovered the ball, and was one of United’s best performers. Scored from the penalty spot calmly and then leathered home to seal the points in injury time.
Marcus Rashford — 7
Full of running and a constant outlet but a rare match without a goal or assist for the England attacker.
Wout Weghorst — 6
Had one effort in the first half but was otherwise quiet. Once again, it was the Dutchman’s teammates who did the business for United.
Subs
Antony (McTominay, 58’) — 7
Really impactful off the bench and unlucky not to have scored.
Fred (Rashford, 83’) — N/A
