Micah Richards, EPL legend, lap up Bassey’s goal against Manchester United

Previous English Premier League winners, Micah Richards, and Alan Shearer, have praised Super Eagles and Fulham defender, Calvin Bassey, for his brilliant header against Manchester United, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 25-year-old was a colossal figure at the back for Fulham as they nicked a rare FA Cup victory at Old Trafford, and the Nigerian found the back of the net in the closing stages of the first half.

BASSSEYYY!

Old Trafford is silenced as Calvin Bassey has his first FA Cup goal in his first-ever FA Cup game for @FulhamFC #EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/VZZub4sUam

— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 2, 2025

Bassey’s performance was one for the ages, and the former Rangers man was delighted his side sealed a 4-3 victory over Ruben Amorim’s side on penalty kicks.

Calvin Bassey, Andreas Pereira,Alex Iwobi, Rodrigo Muniz, Timothy Castagne, and Sander Berge celebrate Bassey’s opening goal 1-0 during the Manchester United FC v Fulham FC Emirates FA Cup Round 5 match at Old Trafford, Manchester, on 2 March 2025. [Photo Credit/ X].

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Shearer, on punditry duties with BBC, bashed Manchester United’s defensive structure for Fulham’s opening goal, but praised Bassey for his ability to read the game and remain at the back post.

“That sums Manchester United up. They lose two headers with what I would say was a pretty simple ball to deal with.

“Having said that, the movement of the Fulham players in and around the 18 yard box was excellent. You see they [Manchester United] are slow to react. You have to be bright, you have to be quicker to react.

“Man Utd players aren’t quick but Fulham are, Bassey in particular. He guides it into the corner. I’ve just said how poor Man Utd have been defending corners, that sums them up,” the former Newcastle United striker said in quotes revealed by The Mirror.

Calvin Bassey heads at goal to score the opening goal 1-0 during the Manchester United FC v Fulham FC Emirates FA Cup Round 5 match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England on 2 March 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Former Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, echoes Shearer’s thoughts. The former England International admitted he was impressed with United’s defending for much of the first half, making that lapse in concentration even more frustrating for the home side.

“We talk about concentration, he’s left with loads of space. I think it’s Muniz who gets the first header, but when you’re marking zonally you still have to open up the body.

“Everyone is looking at the ball. Look at young [Leny] Yoro – I know he’s only young but you’ve got to get on the half-turn. He [Bassey] gets in behind him and then [Noussair] Mazraoui’s too late to react.

“If he stays in that space, Yoro, maybe he gets his header away, but just when you need to concentrate for those vital moments,” the two-time English Premier League winner concluded.

Bruno Fernandes and Calvin Bassey battle for possession of the ball during the Manchester United FC v Fulham FC Emirates FA Cup Round 5 match at Old Trafford, Manchester, England, United Kingdom on 2 March 2025. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Fulham will now face Crystal Palace in the quarter final of the FA Cup. Marco Silva’s side now have a shot at aiming for glory in one of their best seasons in recent years.