How to watch and follow United v Fulham

The Reds have disposed of Arsenal and Leicester City to reach this stage and the defence of the trophy continues with a third successive top-flight opponent.

It is the third time we've faced the Cottagers this term, after winning both the league games 1-0. Debutant Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to score on the opening day, while Lisandro Martinez's deflected strike earned all three points at Craven Cottage in January.

The 16:30 GMT kick-off will feature semi-automated offside technology for the first time at Old Trafford, in addition to VAR being reintroduced from this round onwards.

Here is all you need to know in advance of the tie, which will be decided by extra-time and penalties, if necessary...

United v Fulham will be shown live on BBC One and the BBC iPlayer in the UK.

Of course, MUTV will have full coverage of the build-up and the post-match breakdown from pitchside and the Old Trafford studio, so join us from 15:25 GMT. Former defenders Phil Bardsley and Wes Brown are due in as our special guests.

The United App is a must-have for the second-screen experience with in-game stats, live radio commentary and more, while we'll also have highlights across our platforms from midday at Monday onwards.

TEAM NEWS

We'll get an update from head coach Ruben Amorim on his squad during Friday's press conference at Carrington.

However, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is definitely out, as he starts a three-match domestic suspension for his red card in the win over Ipswich Town. Alejandro Garnacho was recalled to the starting XI but sacrificed after the sending off, while Noussair Mazraoui only came off the bench after sustaining a knock in the 2-2 draw at Everton.

A number of players have been absent, including long-term injury victims Amad and Lisandro Martinez, but Mason Mount is closer than Luke Shaw to a return, according to Amorim's update last week. Young goalkeeper Elyh Harrison, among the substitutes again on Wednesday, is cup-tied following his loan stint at Chester.

The visitors appear to have prioritised this match as Marco Silva made changes to his line-up for the midweek league win away to Wolves. Calvin Bassey, Antonee Robinson and Alex Iwobi are all expected to return.

Andreas Pereira could face his former club again, particularly with Emile Smith Rowe a doubt.

Sasa Lukic is banned in the league, after being booked at Molineux to rack up 10 yellow cards, but available on Sunday, while Kenny Tete, Reiss Nelson and Harry Wilson are all sidelined due to injury.

CUP MEETINGS

In addition to our league clashes in 2024/25, there is some interesting recent history in the competition with Fulham.

Fans will remember the stormy 3-1 quarter-final home victory in 2023, as the west Londoners were incensed when Willian handled a Jadon Sancho shot on the line and was sent off. Alexander Mitrovic, who had opened the scoring, protested so much he was also dismissed, along with manager Marco Silva. Bruno Fernandes converted the penalty and later scored again, after Marcel Sabitzer's cheeky backheel nudged us ahead.

The result extended our FA Cup winning streak to seven matches against the Cottagers, whom we also faced in the 1958 semi-final. Alex Dawson bagged a hat-trick in a 5-3 triumph in the replay at Highbury.

The last time Fulham knocked us out of the competition was way back in 1908.

PREVIOUS ROUNDS

United began our defence of the trophy, won so gloriously against neighbours Manchester City last May, with a tough test away to Arsenal in the third round.

Skipper Fernandes fired Amorim's men ahead but Diogo Dalot's red card turned the tide in the Gunners' favour. Gabriel soon equalised but Altay Bayindir saved Martin Odegaard's penalty to keep the scores level and the game eventually went to a shootout. Once again, Bayindir was the hero, repelling Kai Havertz's attempt, as we claimed a great scalp.

The reward was a home clash with Leicester City, with the Foxes drawing first blood through Bobby De Cordova-Reid. Zirkzee levelled and Harry Maguire popped up with a dramatic injury-time header to win it at the death.

As for Fulham, they cruised past Watford 4-1 in round three before travelling to Wigan Athletic and recording a 2-1 triumph. Rodrigo Muniz scored both goals and has three in total in this season's competition.

FA CUP FIFTH-ROUND FIXTURES

Friday 28 February

Aston Villa v Cardiff City (20:00 GMT)

Saturday 1 March

Crystal Palace v Millwall (12:15 GMT)
Preston North End v Burnley (12:15 GMT)
Bournemouth v Wolves (15:00 GMT)
Manchester City v Plymouth (17:45 GMT)

Sunday 2 March

Newcastle v Brighton (13:45 GMT)
UNITED v Fulham (16:30 GMT)

Monday 3 March

Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town (19:30 GMT)