A method of manufacturing a fan case with a liner includes the steps of providing a preform having a circular cross-section with a cut and a first diameter, flexing the preform to reduce the first diameter to a second diameter, and adhering the preform to an inner surface of a fan case. A fan case for a gas turbine engine includes a fan case body having an inner surface. A preform is adhered to the inner surface and has a cut providing a gap.