When is the FA Cup quarter-final draw?published at 18:27 27 February
18:27 27 February
Image source, Getty Images
The draw for the quarter finals of the FA Cup will take place on Wednesday at 19:00 GMT, before Chelsea's tie with Leeds United, which kicks off at 19:30.
It will be live on ITV4 and you can also follow the draw on the BBC Sport website and app.
Former England goalkeeper David Seaman, a four-time FA Cup winner with Arsenal, will conduct the draw.
The ball numbers will be:
Blackburn Rovers or Newcastle United
Chelsea or Leeds United
Bournemouth or Leicester City
Liverpool or Southampton
Nottingham Forest or Manchester United
Wolverhampton Wanderers or Brighton & Hove Albion
Coventry City
Luton Town or Manchester City
Nottingham Forest v Man Utd: Pick of the statspublished at 18:15 27 February
18:15 27 February
Here are the key facts and figures before Wednesday's FA Cup fifth-round tie between Nottingham Forest and Manchester United:
Nottingham Forest have progressed from four of their five previous FA Cup ties against Manchester United, although the only exception was the most recent, losing 1-0 in the third round in 1989-90.
United have already lost at the City Ground this season, losing their Premier League visit in December (2-1). The Red Devils most recently lost back-to-back away games against Nottingham Forest in all competitions in December 1984.
Forest are aiming to reach the FA Cup quarter-final for the second time in the past three seasons (also 2021-22), after having only reached the last eight in two of their previous 30 campaigns prior.
United are looking to reach the FA Cup quarter-final for what would be a record 48th time. They are currently tied with Everton on 47 quarter-final appearances in the competition.
Forest have drawn three of their FA Cup matches this season (W1), with both their third and fourth-round ties going to a replay. The last Premier League club to draw four or more games in a single FA Cup campaign were Middlesbrough under Gareth Southgate in 2006-07 (six).
Bruno Fernandes has scored five goals in his past five FA Cup appearances, netting in each of his past three in a row. The last Manchester United player to score in four consecutive FA Cup games was Romelu Lukaku in 2018.
Is Ten Hag's defence worse than we may think?published at 15:06 27 February
15:06 27 February
Joe Bradshaw BBC Sport journalist
In terms of goals conceded, Manchester United have one of the better defensive records in the Premier League. In fact, only five teams have let in fewer goals.
Indeed, United's total of seven clean sheets is bettered only by Arsenal (10), Everton, Liverpool and Manchester City (all eight).
However, when the layers are peeled back, Erik ten Hag's side have a worrying ineptitude to how they defend - and it really could cost them this season.
Take the Fulham game last Saturday. The Whites had 17 attempts in their victory and that was only the fourth-most by an opposing side at Old Trafford this season.
Sure, United kept clean sheets against Wolves (23 shots) and West Ham (22) - and beat them but were thumped by neighbours City (21) in October.
What's more, bottom side Sheffield United (447), relegation-threatened Luton Town (428) and West Ham (420) are the only three Premier League clubs to have faced more shots on goal than Manchester United's tally of 417 in 2023-24.
Image source, Opta
On 14 occasions, United have faced 16 or more shots. Again that is the worst in the division alongside Sheffield United and Luton, and hardly the statistics of a side aspiring to be title chasers.
As the old adage goes, if you don't shoot, you don't score and it appears that plenty of opponents are getting more than their fair share of opportunities to score against this United defence.
Speaking on Sky Sports, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher said Ten Hag seems caught between two styles and therefore "defends like a side I have never seen before" in that they both press high and adopt a low block.
Ex-United captain Gary Neville agreed, suggesting that new investors in the club will want evidence of a team "going in the right direction".
A deserved victory for Fulham on United's patch at the weekend will have done little to convince Sir Jim Ratcliffe and company that Ten Hag's team are actually managing that.
Statistics courtesy of Opta and correct before West Ham v Brentford match on 26 February
Ten Hag on Carragher criticismpublished at 15:03 27 February
15:03 27 February
Media caption,
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has hit back at Jamie Carragher's "subjective" criticism of his tactics in the 2-1 defeat by Fulham.
Carragher questioned the way United were set up when he appeared on Sky Sports' Monday Night Football.
Ten Hag conceded the ex-Liverpool defender "had a point" but said he has been critical "from the first moment".
Ten Hag on Carragher criticism and backing Antonypublished at 13:14 27 February
13:14 27 February
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Manager Erik ten Hag has spoken to the media before Manchester United's FA Cup fifth-round tie at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday (19:45 GMT). Here are the main lines from his news conference:
Ten Hag confirmed Casemiro did not suffer concussion during Saturday's defeat by Fulham but did have bleeding. The Brazilian midfielder is available for the Forest game.
Responding to Jamie Carragher's damning analysis on Sky Sports on Monday of his side's tactical shape from the first seconds against Fulham: "Some analysts are very objective in their comments, and give very good advice. Some are very subjective. Jamie Carragher, from the first moment on, has criticised and now he wants to make his point - [but] probably in the first half an hour, yeah, he had a point."
He added: "I know footballers are not robots, sometimes they have bad, days. But it can't be, it's unacceptable, we have to do better tomorrow, but in the weeks before we have done very well."
On Antony losing his place to 19-year-old Omari Forson: "First of all, I brought Kobbie Mainoo in and everyone questioned. Now after six weeks, the same people say he has to go in the England squad. Garnacho: what is the manager doing? Similar. They need time. Omari plays a reasonable game, he showed abilities he can be a player for the future."
More on Antony: "I backed him for a long time. I know his abilities. I know from the past he is unstoppable. He's one of the quickest in the first 10 yards. He is resilient. He is a character. He will fight back and I back him."
On the importance of the FA Cup: "I know the future. But also, I have to look at today. We want to stay in every competition so yeah, we have to win tomorrow."
Ten Hag decision already made?published at 12:43 27 February
12:43 27 February
It's not exactly unusual for Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher to talk about the travails of Manchester United during Sky Sports' Monday Night Football wrap of the weekend action.
Last night, they spent quite a while talking about the massive gaps between United's defence and their midfield, with Carragher and former Arsenal and Manchester City defender Gael Clichy not able to understand the general positioning of Erik ten Hag's players, almost from the first whistle.
The fundamental point was the bigger the space between players, the more chance the opposition have to attack, which is what Fulham did at Old Trafford on Saturday.
They brought Neville - who was at the London Stadium for West Ham's victory rather than in the studio - into a discussion about Ten Hag's future.
The point was made that with Liverpool, Barcelona and Bayern Munich already known to be in the market for new managers this summer, United could be left behind if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Dan Ashworth decided it was time to act but waited until the end of the season.
Neville feels the decision might well already have been made.
If they were making the call on Saturday's game alone, Ten Hag is in trouble.
That is not happening obviously but Ratcliffe and Ashworth did not appoint Ten Hag, which means the Dutchman will need to be flawless to convince them he is the right man.
'I suspect they've come to a conclusion already'published at 12:43 27 February
12:43 27 February
Image source, Getty Images
Former Manchester United right-back Gary Neville feels Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his new board might have already made a decision on the future of Erik ten Hag.
United's hopes of Champions League football are fading, as they sit sixth in the table on 44 points, eight points short of Aston Villa in fourth.
So will they stick with Ten Hag, or will we see another major club in Europe searching for a new manager this summer?
Liverpool and Barcelona are already preparing for the departures of Jurgen Klopp and Xavi, while there remains a vacancy at Bayern Munich following Thomas Tuchel's departure.
"I can't believe they're going to wait until May to make that decision and then leave themselves short of options," said Neville.
"Where Manchester United have been found out in the last 10 years in recruitment, on and off the pitch, is making poor decisions and late decisions. They've not been ahead of the game, so I don't think they're going to do that.
"I suspect they've come to a conclusion already and it may even be whether it's Champions League or not, but they'll stick to that decision."
'When one or two have a bad game, the entire team joins in'published at 10:46 27 February
10:46 27 February
Gaz Drinkwater and Jay Motty discussed Manchester United's 2-1 loss to Fulham on the latest episode of The Devils' Advocate podcast from BBC Radio Manchester.
United had won six and drawn one of their previous seven games in all competitions, but went down to a stoppage-time goal by Alex Iwobi at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Motty said: "It seemed to be one of those that happens too often with United - when one or two have a bad game, the entire team joins in and you can't have that.
"You have players that will have an off day for whatever reason, and your team-mates should be able to carry them through. That's what the good teams do. With us, if one or two have a bad game, they're joined by eight others.
"The Premier League standard is so high now that even teams in the bottom half are capable of beating anyone, which we've seen. If you don't turn up, you're going to get punished."
'United risk a return to the Ralf Rangnick era'published at 08:25 27 February
08:25 27 February
Alex Turk Fan writer
Erik ten Hag's short tenure as Manchester United manager was on an upwards trajectory this time last year.
United were formidable at home, had just dumped Barcelona out of Europe and ended their six-year trophy drought at Wembley.
The 7-0 defeat by Liverpool that followed has blown all progress into smithereens. It has been a slippery slope since.
United risk a return to the numb Ralf Rangnick era this season - an unthinkable development 12 months ago. Defeats at Nottingham Forest and Manchester City this week would leave Ten Hag with no trophy to play for and potentially 11 points from the Premier League's top four.
He is essentially under trial as Ineos form their set-up in United's hierarchy. It is currently not looking too good.
A change in ownership draws scrutiny to every position, and would have done if United were flying. But they are not, and Ten Hag continues to cite his relentless injuries as the reason.
Liverpool were the bane of his existence once more on Sunday, though, as "Klopp's Kids" inherited his Carabao Cup crown.
It proved a clear identity and tactical understanding go a long way. United continue to demonstrate they possess neither in a crucial period.
Ramsay leaves Man Utd to become Minnesota managerpublished at 08:04 27 February
08:04 27 February
Simon Stone Chief football news reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay is to take over as head coach of Major League Soccer (MLS) outfit Minnesota United.
Ramsay has been part of United’s coaching team since joining from Chelsea and will leave the club after Sunday’s Manchester derby at Etihad Stadium.
United say Ramsay will not be replaced in the short-term, with his responsibilities being shared across the rest of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team.
Gossip: Man Utd willing to listen to Antony offerspublished at 07:42 27 February
07:42 27 February
Manchester United are expected to offload several players this summer with 24-year-old Brazil winger Antony among those they would be prepared to sell. (MEN), external
England youth international Omari Forson,19, could leave Manchester United this summer, with the attacking midfielder out of contract at Old Trafford. (Athletic - subscription required), external
Nice and France centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo is interested in moving back to Barcelona despite interest from Manchester United. (90min), external
Your views on Saturday's gamepublished at 12:59 26 February
12:59 26 February
We asked you for your thoughts on Saturday's Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham.
Here are some of your comments:
Man Utd fans
Sue: In all honesty, I am almost glad that we lost against Fulham. I know that's a strange thing to say, but I have heard so much about Manchester United having 'turned a corner' that a reality check came at the right time. Things need to change at United sharpish - the fans know it.
Ewan: Erik ten Hag always struggles to get a result when player availablity is an issue, even when United are at home. Truly top class coaches can get something from games even when there are injuries in the squad. This is Man Utd and the manager should be able to cope with these situations, which are not uncommon after all.
Adam: We'll get knocked out of the FA Cup by Nottingham Forest on Wednesday, then get a absolute hammering against Manchester City on Sunday and then it's back to square one. We can't blame Hojlund's injury for the performance today.
Adder: Very poor showing with a lack of energy, movement, desire and belief. Just so disappointing after such a good run, though I think recent results have flattered us. Injuries have hampered us again admittedly, but today was simply not good enough again.
Fulham fans
Will: What an absolutely incredible win, our first at the 'Theatre of Dreams' in over 20 years. Thought perhaps we had thrown it away at the end in classic Fulham style, but Alex Iwobi won it in the most dramatic fashion to complete a Nigerian double. Won’t forget this anytime soon, probably not ever.
Bob: What a win. Overall, we deserved the three points and it was a long time coming after a battling performance. We must though turn our chances into goals more often in matches. Well done to the lads and management of FFC. A big decision by Marco Silva to make all those changes and the main thing is they worked.
Olaf: One of the best performances of Fulham for many years.
Mike: I liked the way we took the game to United and should have been two up by half time. When Harrison Reed had to go off, we needed to reshape and looked to hold on. Was delighted when Iwobi hit the winner deep into 'Fergie Time'.
'Scrutiny from the hierarchy has never been greater'published at 11:37 26 February
11:37 26 February
Tom Gayle BBC Final Score reporter
Before the game, and given a week of such heavy PR from new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, I felt the fixture computer had been very kind to Manchester United and manager Erik ten Hag.
Fulham, who prior to Saturday, had registered just two league victories at Old Trafford in their club's entire history, and with the second worst away record in the division, played the dream game.
For Manchester United, the reality turned out to be an under-whelming performance met by a standout display from the visitors.
Ten Hag’s pre-match programme notes spoke of his excitement at what he and Ratcliffe can "achieve together". However, rather than starting a new dawn with a commanding victory to follow up talks of knocking rivals Manchester City and Liverpool off their perches, the defeat only brings further question marks as to how much of the club’s future will involve the Dutch manager.
Ratcliffe wasn’t present for the Fulham game but the TV director’s decision to repeatedly cut between images of a soggy looking Ten Hag on the touchline, to Sir David Brailsford watching on from the stands, illustrated how scrutiny from the hierarchy within the club has never been greater.
'Best in class' is a term consistently used by Ineos across all of their endeavours. Right here right now, with a team who has suffered the most defeats at this stage of a season since the 1989-90 campaign, it is becoming more difficult to argue that Ten Hag fits this criteria.
Scepticism was best demonstrated on Saturday evening when I sat amongst a group of journalists in the Old Trafford press conference room, awaiting the arrival of Ten Hag.
While it’s not unusual for a losing manager to take up to around an hour before dealing with their final media commitment of the day, which is speaking to the written press, by the time he did join us the wait had been suffice enough for one journalist to joke that he might not even show at all as he might have already been sacked.
Image source, Getty Images
Does Ratcliffe really want Ten Hag?published at 11:06 26 February
11:06 26 February
Image source, Getty Images
The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says talk around Manchester United will be on whether new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking for an "excuse" to part ways with manager Erik ten Hag.
United lost late on at home to Fulham on Saturday to bring a four-game winning run to an end and they remain sixth in the Premier League.
"We know this has been Manchester United under Ten Hag," Edwards told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"You think they're going to get some positive momentum, that they've turned a corner but it turns out they're just going around in a circle.
"I think the big problem for Ten Hag is Sir Jim Ratcliffe has come in and made no secret of his ambitions, he's spoken about how they need to get into the Champions League for profit and sustainability rules.
"It's a really bad result for him after you'd just begun to feel like he'd got that little bit of positivity around the place - they'd been grinding our results, they were getting on a little winning streak.
"Then that happened, no disrespect to Fulham but it's a home game that if you want to get into the Champions league you have to win.
"The problem you've got now for Ten Hag, and I think he deserves far more time than that, but anytime he gets a negative result now that conversation will be had.
"Fans will be talking about it, the next few days will be dominated by 'does Sir Jim Ratcliffe really want Ten Hag?'
"He wasn't his appointment as manager, he's now got control of the football side of the business. The worry will be that he's looking for that excuse to bring in the manager he wants."
Gossip: Ratcliffe wants new Man Utd pay structurepublished at 07:59 26 February
07:59 26 February
New Manchester United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants a new pay structure introduced at the club, with the salaries of players being more dependent on success. (Mirror), external
Manchester United are set to target signing a striker, right-back and right-sided centre-back during a summer overhaul of the Old Trafford club's squad. (Telegraph - subscription required), external
France forward Anthony Martial is set to leave Manchester United at the end of the season as a free agent, after the club opted against triggering a one-year extension to the 28-year-old's contract. (Football Insider), external
'One mistake let Fulham escape' - Ten Hagpublished at 18:20 24 February
18:20 24 February
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to BBC Sport, on how a mistake allowed Fulham to score their winner: "It was a throw-in [for Fulham] in the corner, we had them under pressure and we have one player in the wrong position.
"As a team we should manage that and make sure everyone is in the right position. We let them escape and it is avoidable.
"The team showed big character to fight back, we deserved the equaliser and went for the win - we showed big personality and character. It was that mistake. Before that we went for the win and we should have taken our opportunities.
On whether the game was too open: "We struggled with their influence and their impact on our left side. But we reacted well and how to deal with it, how to step up from the back and once we had that we got more from the game and took control to create the chances.
On the impact of injuries to Luke Shaw and Rasmus Hojlund: "With the squad we had today we should have won this game. Both halves were slow starts and we should be ready from the first whistle.
"That's a point of criticism but the team showed big character in both halves."
'Hojlund has been our focal point' - Maguirepublished at 18:09 24 February
18:09 24 February
Image source, Getty Images
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire on how his team were affected by Rasmus Hojlund's absence: "We got hit by the injury to Rasmus, who has been big focal point for us but it is up to us to find the solutions and the areas we need to improve on.
"He has been our focal point, we can play into him, he holds it up, he starts the press really well, not only that but Marcus has been playing really well on the left.
"It's the story of our season, we've been injury hit - as other teams have - and we need to find a solution quick."
On equalising then conceding again: "To be a goal behind, I thought our reaction was brilliant especially in the last 30 minutes and when we equalised probably only one team going to win it.
"We were probably naive in the end by throwing too many bodies forward and getting done on the counter attack.
"We've been on a good run of form and came into the game we were confident."
Image source, Getty Images
