Fernandes levelled in the 71st minute when Diogo Dalot cut it back from the left-hand side and United’s skipper unleashed a left-footed shot from just inside the 18-yard box that sailed past two Fulham defenders and goalkeeper Leno on its way into the far corner to send the game into extra time.
“Unbelievable,” a smiling Leno told the BBC. “I think we deserved to win after 90 minutes. Of course, penalties, it is sometimes a lottery and luckily we won. The goalie coach told me information, but my feeling is more important.
“I went the wrong way three times, but credit to our penalty takers – it is not easy. Brilliant job from all of us.”
Thirteen-times FA Cup winners United defeated Manchester City last year and lost to City in the 2023 final.
But Ruben Amorim’s men have struggled mightily this season, languishing 14th in the Premier League, five places below Fulham.
“I think we have the best chances in the game,” Amorim said. “In the end, the penalties can go both ways and today wasn’t our way.
“The goal is to win the Premier League,” he added. I know that we are losing games but the goal is to win the Premier League again. I don’t know how long it will take. We have a goal and we continue forward no matter what.”
