Darren Fletcher’s touchline antics before Man Utd star Joshua Zirkzee’s penalty vs Fulham speak volumes...

MANCHESTER UNITED first team coach Darren Fletcher headed for the tunnel before Joshua Zirkzee had even missed his crucial penalty against Fulham.

The Red Devils contested a penalty shoot-out with Marco Silva's side following a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.

With Fulham having scored their first four spot kicks, Zirkzee needed to convert in order to keep the tie alive, as Victor Lindelof had squandered United's previous penalty.

Zirkzee's tame shot was saved by Bernd Leno, thus confirming Fulham's victory.

The tearful Dutchman was consoled by his team-mates following his unfortunate moment.

Per the MEN's Samuel Luckhurst, Fletcher hadn't appeared to have much faith in United rescuing the shoot-out.

He wrote on X: "Darren Fletcher headed for the exit before Joshua Zirkzee took his penalty kick. Everyone knows the score with the team that barely score."

Zirkzee, 23, has scored just three Premier League goals since completing his £36.5million move from Bologna last summer.

Rasmus Hojlund, meanwhile, has netted just twice in the league this term.

He had already been replaced by 17-year-old Chido Obi prior to the shoot-out.

After the game, Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney admitted that he would rather have Danny Welbeck still at the club than their current options.

Working as a pundit for the BBC, he said: "Danny's great to play alongside.

"If I'm completely honest I'd probably like to still see him here, playing for Manchester United.

"He's scored goals throughout his career. He had injuries in the early part of his career but he seems to have got over them and he's having a fantastic season."

The 39-year-old had more encouraging words for teenager Obi.

He added: "What I’ve really liked about him is he’s put himself in some really good positions — I’ve been really impressed by him.

"He looked like the one who could go on and nick it."