Bruno Fernandes tells of tactic Man Utd will use to win in Europa League

Bruno Fernandes insists Manchester United remain focused on winning silverware, with the Europa League now their only remaining chance after their FA Cup elimination at the hands of Fulham.

Sunday’s fifth-round exit at Old Trafford marked another setback in a troubled season, as the holders fell 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra time. Fernandes had given United hope by equalizing Calvin Bassey’s opener with a brilliant strike, but missed spot-kicks from Victor Lindelof and Joshua Zirkzee allowed Fulham to progress.

Now sitting 14th in the Premier League, United’s only realistic path to silverware and European qualification is through the Europa League, where they face Real Sociedad in the round of 16 on Thursday.

“Of course, I helped the team to draw the game and to try to get back into it to win, but unfortunately, it was not enough today,” Fernandes said.“We look forward now to the rest of the season, with our main focus on the next game in a competition where we want to go forward. It’s one of our goals this season to try and get a trophy.”

The Red Devils head into their Europa League tie with key players sidelined, something Fernandes acknowledged has taken a toll on the squad.

“We’ve had many injuries in this period, and we don’t have as many players as we would like,” he told MUTV.“We’ve been playing almost always with the same players for long spells, and it’s been difficult. We just need to recover and focus on the next game.”

He also highlighted the challenge of facing a well-drilled Real Sociedad side, warning that United must be prepared to match their intensity.

“It’s going to be a tough one. A Spanish team that plays brilliant football, very good players up front, and real quality from the back. We need to be fresh because they will make us run—and when we have the ball, we have to make them run too.”

While United shift their focus to Europe, Fulham are dreaming of FA Cup success after securing a quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace.

Penalty hero Bernd Leno described the Old Trafford victory as a special moment for the club.

“It feels amazing—the way we played, also with the penalty shootout. The fans were amazing. A brilliant day for all of us.”

With Fulham’s only FA Cup final appearance coming 50 years ago, midfielder Sander Berge emphasized the club’s desire to go all the way.

“Getting to Wembley is a huge carrot. We can’t wait for that challenge.”

For United, however, Wembley dreams are over—and all eyes now turn to Spain as they battle to keep their season alive in the Europa League.