Manchester United will take on fellow Premier League side Fulham in the fifth round of the FA Cup on Sunday at Old Trafford. With most big teams already out, the competition presents a genuine opportunity for Ruben Amorim to win a trophy in his first season as the club’s manager.
The start of Amorim’s tenure at Manchester United has been challenging. His side has won just 10 of their 23 matches, suffering nine defeats in that run. There was a major victory at the Etihad against Manchester City in the Premier League, along with strong performances in a draw against Liverpool and a penalty shootout win over Arsenal.
United have also progressed to the Europa League round of 16 where they will face Spanish side Real Sociedad. However, when looking at the overall results, things have not gone smoothly for Amorim. The team sits 14th in the league table, with a visit from Arsenal up next. As such, the FA Cup and Europa League provide crucial opportunities for United to secure European qualification next season.
Winning the Europa League would be the preferred route, as it guarantees Champions League football. However, there are still seven matches to navigate, with tough opponents ahead and significant travel involved. In comparison, the FA Cup offers a more straightforward path to silverware.
The Red Devils are the defending FA Cup champions, having beaten Manchester City in last season’s final. Most of the players from that match remain at the club, giving the team valuable experience in handling these fixtures. They also reached the final two years ago, further underlining their pedigree in the competition.
With their poor form and ongoing off-field issues, Amorim has plenty to contend with. Many league games had already been played by the time he took charge, leaving little room for immediate impact. However, cup competitions, especially knockout ties, allow teams to focus solely on the next match without broader implications. Progress in these tournaments is one area where Amorim can assert full control.
Manchester United have already beaten Fulham twice in the league this season, winning both encounters 1-0. Amorim was in the dugout for the second fixture at Craven Cottage. Those results should provide confidence despite Fulham’s superior league position.
At home, with their fans behind them, a win will be expected from the most successful team in FA Cup history, regardless of current form. Ruben Amorim will need that victory in his quest to turn things around as the season enters its final months.