Key takeaways and highlights as Man Utd beat Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday afternoon.
Lisandro Martinez can play two roles for United
Sancho's struggle continues
If there was one week to sum up Jadon Sancho's struggles at Manchester United, it would be a week gone. The 22-year-old remains a disappointing figure alongside Erik ten Hag, for an awkward fit and a player with no clearly defined role.
Over the span of eight days, he played in three different positions and did not stand out in any. He struggled in midfield against Southampton and had little impact in either winger role over the next two games. Sancho could still have a role in the future but at the moment it's hard to justify him as a starter, even though they've run out of options and are overshadowed by Antony from the bench.
Ten Hag has worked hard to try to rejuvenate the former Borussia Dortmund striker, and that work is not done yet.
United are missing the pillars
United knew a week in advance that they would be without Casemiro for the trip to Fulham, but they would have had less time to prepare without star defender Raphael Varane.
There's reason to believe they are the two most important players in United's squad, and it's no surprise that their form suffers without them.
United lacked control and composure at the team's pillars, which not only made them less likely to fight in midfield, but also made them noticeably weaker in defence. It was another match where the goal justifies the means, but for the next three games they were without Casemiro. They won't be able to directly replace its quality, though they must find a way to ensure that they'll be better off without it.
Martinez's Dilemma
Ten Hag has dismissed suggestions that he might consider trying Lisandro Martinez in interim midfield in the coming weeks, although he may have to reconsider. He was United's player of the season against Fulham, not only with his enormous contribution in defense but also with his profound creativity.
United are missing passing masters Casemiro and Christian Eriksen in midfield, and Martinez is the next best thing with his deep artistry and creativity. In the game against Fulham, he was the one who regularly broke the lines with his passes, providing an instant attack every time he had the ball.
However, the dilemma for Ten Hag is clear. He is also their best defender. Not only did he pass better than most, but he also defended better than them.
It doesn't look like he'll let Martinez play in midfield, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't. Reckless red cards
Fulham was the better team in the 70 minutes of the quarter-final. Then they lost their minds, two players, their coach and an FA Cup semi-final for a handball foul.
United seem to have done their favor by narrowly squandering a great one-on-one situation, but Willian will still be punished for his stupid handball.
Marco Silva and Aleksandar Mitrovic both received red cards for reckless protesting against the decision, and Willian cannot complain about his deliberate manipulation of the line.
Wembley will be red next month, just as the fog has dashed Fulham's hopes of a famous trip to a favorable semi-final. United may be rewarded again for their Ten Hag decision
Not long ago, Antonio Conte was touted as a potential United manager, and the club will be grateful that his lack of plans to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has worked in his favor.
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