Manchester United first team coach Darren Fletcher walked towards the tunnel even before Joshua Zirkzee missed the crucial penalty against Fulham.
Manchester United and Fulham, led by Marco Silva, were in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
Fulham had already scored their first four penalties, so Zirkzee had to score to keep Manchester United in the game, especially after Victor Lindelof missed United’s previous penalty.
However, Zirkzee’s weak penalty was saved by Bernd Leno, securing Fulham’s victory.
The emotional Dutch player was comforted by his teammates after the unfortunate miss.
According to Samuel Luckhurst from MEN, Darren Fletcher seemed to lack belief in Manchester United’s chances of winning the shootout.
Luckhurst wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “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 only scored three Premier League goals since his £36.5 million transfer from Bologna last summer.
Rasmus Hojlund has also scored just twice in the league this season.
He had already been substituted before the shootout, replaced by 17-year-old Chido Obi.
After the match, Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney stated he would prefer to have Danny Welbeck at the club instead of their current attacking options.
Speaking as a BBC pundit, Rooney commented: “Danny’s great to play alongside.
“If I'm completely honest, I'd probably still want to see him here, playing for Manchester United.
“He has scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries early on, but he seems to be past them and is having a fantastic season.”
Rooney also praised teenager Obi, saying: “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 win it.”
Manchester United were eliminated from the FA Cup on penalties by Fulham.
Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee had their penalties saved, contributing to Manchester United’s sixth home defeat under Ruben Amorim.
Fulham opened the scoring just before halftime from a well-executed corner.
Antonee Robinson flicked the ball to Calvin Bassey, who headed it into the bottom corner.
Bruno Fernandes equalized for United, firing Diogo Dalot’s cutback past Bernd Leno.
United had late chances through substitutes Alejandro Garnacho and Chido Obi but couldn’t score.
The game went to penalties after extra time.
Despite successful penalties from Fernandes, Diogo Dalot, and Casemiro, Lindelof and Zirkzee missed crucial penalties, allowing Fulham goalkeeper Leno to be the hero.
Marcus Bellamy