Thursday’s 1-0 (4-1 aggregate) UEFA Europa League victory over Real Betis might fuel the Red Devils’ belief that they can capture a treble, with a 7-0 thrashing at the hands of eternal rivals Liverpool, which all but ended their Premier League (PL) title chase, already a distant memory.
Jetting back from sunny Spain in a jubilant mood and having not lost an Old Trafford contest since early September (W19, D3), Ten Hag’s men will take some beating even if they were pouring the sangria.
After a long hangover since the glory days of Sir Alex Ferguson, the Dutch boss is restoring pride to the red half of Manchester, and he’ll want to stamp his own history by setting the record of most FA Cup semi-final appearances with another triumph here (currently tied with Arsenal on 30).
Marco Silva would do well not to dust off the history books himself though, as not since 1908 have his Fulham side progressed from an FA Cup draw against Manchester United, having lost eight successive such ties since.
And having not beaten the Red Devils in any of their last 15 meetings (D3, L12) in all competitions, the odds are stacked against the Londoners in their quest for a first FA Cup semi-final since 2001/02.
The Cottagers have looked at home in the top-flight this season however, and their current top-half position possibly inspired Silva’s comments about Fulham’s ‘really high ambitions in the FA Cup’.
His tendency to employ an attacking style of play means an entertaining encounter may ensue, but he’ll hope that they don’t get stung by another PL juggernaut after being comfortably beaten 3-0 by Arsenal in their last outing.
Players to watch: Marcus Rashford’s strike against Betis marked his 27th strike in all competitions - only Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé have more from Europe’s top five leagues.
Fulham’s Manor Solomon will feel capable of stealing the Old Trafford limelight however, having netted in five of his last six appearances.
Hot streak: Manchester United have scored in each of their last 25 home games against Fulham in all competitions.
