Manchester United take on Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
United progressed to the quarter-finals of the Europa League in midweek after defeating Real Betis 1-0 away from home. The Reds comfortably won the tie 5-1 on aggregate, with Marcus Rashford scoring the only goal in the second leg.
Erik ten Hag’s side are now heavy favorites to win the European trophy and the FA Cup is another route to silverware this season. Fulham stand in the way of reaching the semi-finals of that competition and they sit in mid-table in the Premier League.
Having secured promotion back to the top flight, Fulham have enjoyed a successful campaign but have lost both of their last two matches against Brentford and Arsenal, conceding three goals against each side.
In terms of team news, Anthony Martial remains unavailable, but Antony may return after being ill.
Follow below for live updates from Old Trafford.
14:48Richard Fay
Fulham will not be pushovers
United’s last game before the World Cup was against Fulham, and it is the same challenge ahead of this international break. They were lucky to win that game after a great display from the home side, but managed to hold on at the back and take the chance late on when Alejandro Garnacho netted in stoppage time. Fulham will be no pushovers today and will be keen to celebrate a fantastic season with another trip to Wembley.
14:42Samuel Luckhurst
Varane and Shaw expected to return
In a week of rest, rotation and recalls, Ten Hag has confirmed seven undropables in the United squad. Six are available today as Casemiro is suspended, but Varane and Shaw are expected to be recalled, while Martinez, Fernandes and Rashford were reportedly withdrawn in the second half at Sevilla. De Gea can be canceled by default.
Eriksen was ahead of his injury and there is an argument that Antony qualifies as his only demotion was tactical and against Manchester City. But Antony’s performance level has not earned the privilege.
14:32Steven Railston
United has arrived
The arrival photos are here.
14:25Richard Fay
Casemiro is suspended
Erik ten Hag insists his side will be able to cope without Casemiro, but he cannot ignore the fact that their performances have suffered when he has not been available this season. Fulham are fascinating opponents given how well they have performed this campaign and the fact that they have a strong midfield of their own. It will be a real test for United to not only win today but also try to control the game.
14:15Samuel Luckhurst
Fulham will be difficult opponents
A quarter-final between United and Fulham is not as rare as it first appears. United recovered from a goal down to win 2-1 en route to winning the FA Cup in 2004, and they hammered Fulham 4-0 at Craven Cottage five years later in one of the great cup away days for United supporters. One boy had a flag with two sticks that said ‘United up for the cup’, a throwback to some of the stitched banners displayed at Wembley in the 70s.
Fulham have had an excellent season and United have been thoroughly examined in their previous FA Cup games against Premier League opposition, although both games ended 3-1. The challenges have become more difficult and will likely continue today.
14:04Steven Railston
Ten Hag sends a message to Martial
Martial is ‘not fighting for his future’ despite his ongoing fitness problems this season.
“I don’t think it’s the right time to be the case. I believe in him, every time he’s available he really contributes to the team’s performance, the team’s level is upgraded when he’s available,” Ten Hag said. “We are working with him to get fit and be available.”
13:55Steven Railston
Choose your starting XI to play Fulham
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13:48Steven Railston
How United should line up against Fulham
United are back in cup action on Sunday when they take on Fulham in the FA Cup.
Erik ten Hag has already won a trophy this season to end United’s long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup and he looks determined to add more to the cabinet.
United advanced to the last 16 of the Europa League on Thursday by defeating Real Betis and could go to the FA Cup semi-finals at the weekend.
Here’s how our writers think United should line up.
13:34Steven Railston
How to watch United vs Fulham
United will be in action live on ITV1 this weekend, with coverage starting at 3.45pm. Those wishing to follow the match online should be able to do so via ITV’s streaming service, ITVX.
We also bring you live updates in this dedicated blog.
13:17Steven Railston
Can United win the FA Cup?
They are second favorites to lift the trophy.
FA Cup winners odds
- Manchester City – 4/5
- Manchester United – 2/1
- Brighton – 9/2
- Fulham – 14/1
- Sheffield United – 40/1
- Blackburn Rovers – 66/1
- Grimsby – 275/1
Odds via Betfair.
12:37 p.mSteven Railston
United handed new injury concern vs Fulham
Erik ten Hag has revealed that Scott McTominay is an injury concern for Sunday’s FA Cup clash with Fulham.
United have the chance to return to Wembley shortly after their Carabao Cup triumph, but will need to get past Fulham to do so and reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Ten Hag has achieved his goal of ending the club’s trophy drought but wants to win as many competitions as possible in his debut season at Old Trafford.
Read the whole story here.
Steven Railston
Welcome
Hello and welcome to today’s Manchester United live match blog.