Manchester United faced a devastating FA Cup exit at Old Trafford, falling to Fulham in a dramatic penalty shootout. The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, but United faltered from the spot, losing 4-3. The defeat exposed several weaknesses in the squad, with recent signing Joshua Zirkzee facing intense scrutiny for his performance. His struggles on the pitch, particularly his missed penalty, became a focal point of criticism from both fans and pundits.
Fulham struck first just before halftime, exploiting United’s defensive vulnerabilities. Calvin Bassey found the net with a well-placed header from a corner, putting the visitors ahead. United responded in the second half through Bruno Fernandes, who equalized with a precise half-volley after a cut-back from Diogo Dalot. Despite creating several chances, United failed to find a winning goal, leading to a tense penalty shootout where Fulham’s goalkeeper, Bernd Leno, played a decisive role in securing his team’s victory.
Zirkzee, who was recently brought in from Bologna, struggled to make an impact throughout the match. His sluggish movement and inability to capitalize on key opportunities frustrated both fans and his teammates. His lack of urgency slowed down United’s attacking momentum, raising serious doubts about his suitability for the Premier League. His uninspiring performance drew sharp criticism, with many questioning the wisdom of his signing.
The low point of Zirkzee’s night came in the penalty shootout when his feeble attempt was easily saved by Leno. This moment encapsulated his poor showing and proved costly for United. His failure from the spot added fuel to growing frustrations among supporters, many of whom are now calling for his removal from the starting lineup or even a potential transfer away from the club.
Fans vented their anger on social media, branding Zirkzee a liability and questioning the club’s decision-making in the transfer market. Pundits echoed these sentiments, criticizing his lack of contribution and arguing that his presence disrupts the team’s attacking rhythm. Adding to the scrutiny, first-team coach Darren Fletcher’s decision to walk toward the tunnel before Zirkzee’s penalty suggested a lack of confidence in the striker, a moment that did not go unnoticed.
Manager Rúben Amorim now finds himself under significant pressure to defend the decision to sign Zirkzee. The striker’s struggles have not only placed him under the spotlight but have also raised concerns about the club’s recruitment strategy. If United are to salvage their season, Amorim must address these issues swiftly to restore both team morale and fan confidence.
United’s FA Cup exit compounds what has already been a turbulent campaign. Currently languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, the team now shifts focus to the Europa League, where a crucial clash against Real Sociedad awaits. The club’s leadership must reassess their transfer policies and make the necessary adjustments to prevent further disappointments.
Joshua Zirkzee’s poor performance against Fulham has sparked widespread criticism and intensified scrutiny on Manchester United’s recent transfer dealings. With tensions running high, the responsibility falls on Amorim and his coaching staff to correct course, improve squad performance, and ensure the club returns to its former stature.
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