The Cottagers were unable to make their dominance count in yesterday's clash, and were punished by a stoppage-time winner from Manucho as Hull stole a 1-0 win.

Fulham's next match on Saturday is against Barclays Premier League leaders United for a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup, and Hodgson admits the loss was not the ideal preparation for his side.

"Of course the team will now need lifting for United," he said.

"There's no worse way to lose a game than to play well, stare at a 0-0 draw when you think we should have scored and then to lose in the 92nd minute.

"You couldn't write a worse scenario for a player or coach than that. This is the ultimate football nightmare you have to live through."

United had better success in the league in midweek with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle which restored their lead over Chelsea and Liverpool to seven points.

Chelsea are also in FA Cup action on Saturday when they travel to Championship side Coventry in the last eight.

The match will see Blues manager Guus Hiddink take charge for his first cup clash following his appointment last month.

And the Dutchman is aware of the history surrounding the competition.

"It is very important in this country to be there (in the final) in May," he told the club's official website.

"And it is not only here but worldwide. When I was in other countries people were talking about the Premier League but also the FA Cup, which is very important for us as well."

Coventry will not be daunted by Premier League opposition having knocked out Blackburn in the last round.

On Sunday, Everton welcome Middlesbrough to Goodison Park in another all-Premier League affair.

Boro will be desperate to bounce back from their 4-0 hammering at the hands of Tottenham while Everton were held to a goalless draw at Blackburn.

Arsenal will face Burnley at the Emirates Stadium in the only outstanding match from the fifth round, with the winners set to take on Hull.