Manchester United produced and outstanding performance to come back from a goal down and beat Fulham 3-1 at the quarter finals of the Emirates FA Cup at Old Trafford on Sunday night.
Man Utd were let off the hook by Fulham after a Willian red card resulted in a Bruno Fernandes equaliser from the penalty spot and red cards to striker Aleksandar Mitrovic and head coach Marco Silva.
Scott McTominay and Marcel Sabitzer came into Manchester United’s midfield as Erik ten Hag made four changes for the FA Cup quarter-final.
With Casemiro beginning a four-match ban, Fred was among the substitutes.
There was no Raphael Varane in the squad at all as Harry Maguire kept his place from the midweek Europa League win over Real Betis, starting back-to-back games for the first time since August.
Fulham welcomed Joao Palhinha back from suspension and Willian from injury as Marco Silva made three changes, with Issa Diop also returning as Tosin Adarabioyo, Manor Solomon and Sasa Lukic dropped to the bench.
Fulham took the lead five minutes into the second half when Issa Diop flicked on Andrea Pereira’s corner and Aleksandr Mitrovic fired home from close range.
The game completely changed just before the 70th minute when Antony broke down the right and squared the ball for Jadon Sancho. He rounded Leno and then shot towards goal.
Willian raced in but replays showed he blocked the shot with his hand.
Fulham boss Marco Silva was sent off for soemthing he said to referee Chris Kavanagh as he came over to check the monitor.
Kavanagh then signalled for a penalty and showed a red card to Willian. An angry Mitrovic confronted Kavanagh and got his own marching orders, to leave Fulham down to nine and without a manager.
Bruno Fernandes sent Leno the wrong way to level the scores.
And it was 2-1 to United moments later as Shaw’s low cross from the left found Sabitzer, who flicked it beyond Leno.
Man Utd put the result beyond doubt when Fernandes thundered the ball past Leno to grab his second goal.
United will now face Brighton Hove Albion on 22nd April in the first semi-finals at Wembley while their neighbours Manchester City play Sheffield United in the second semi-finals the next day.
