At Old Trafford, Manchester United’s thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal victory in extra time ruined Liverpool’s aspirations of winning four trophies and preserved United’s trophy hopes for this season.
The match-winner was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for his celebrations. In an event-filled contest, it was substitute Amad Diallo who sent Erik ten Hag’s team to Wembley with a strike in the last seconds of the extra period, sending the Stretford End wild.
The moment Diallo’s shot zipped past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, United manager Ten Hag broke into a happy dance, perfectly encapsulating everything about this suspenseful match.
United’s eagerness to get to the Wembley final four was demonstrated by their quick start, which saw them take an early lead, with Scott McTominay bundling home from close range in the 10th minute after Kelleher had pushed out Alejandro Garnacho’s shot.
Liverpool scored twice in three minutes on the stroke of half-time to take the lead and stun United. Alexis Mac Allister equalised when his shot was deflected off Kobbie Mainoo, United paying the price for allowing Jarell Quansah to race forward unchallenged. Mohamed Salah, the regular scourge of United, struck again swiftly with his 13th goal in 14 appearances against them, turning home in front of the Stretford End after Andre Onana saved from Nunez.
Liverpool had the better of the opportunities after the break, but substitute Antony drew United level three minutes from the end of normal time with a low shot on the turn. Marcus Rashford then managed to steer a simple finish wide with the goal at his mercy to win the game. Substitute Harvey Elliott put Liverpool back in front after 105 minutes, his 20-yard shot taking a crucial touch off substitute Christian Eriksen to swerve tantalisingly out of the reach of Onana.
United pulled off a spectacular win after a game that will live long in the memory of everyone who had the pleasure to witness it. It leaves Ten Hag with a chance of a trophy this season and the opportunity to strengthen his case to stay at Old Trafford in the new footballing structure being assembled under Ratcliffe’s rule.
The “Theatre of Dreams” has waited a long time to witness an occasion like such a raucous atmosphere, capped by wild scenes of celebration after Diallo’s winner. United’s players slumped to the Old Trafford turf in despair as the final whistle sounded on this magnificent FA Cup quarter-final, their chances of winning a quadruple over amid the pain of defeat and wild United celebrations.
They still have the opportunity to have a truly special season as they chase the Premier League and Europa League after winning the Carabao Cup, but this defeat, as well as the manner of it and who it was against, will cut deeply. They will know they played a large part in their own downfall, seeming complacent when they dominated large parts of the second half.
In a chaotic conclusion, United were caught on the counter attack when Diallo pinched possession off Elliott before leaving it to Garnacho as the Ivory Coast international made his run down the field to receive the ball back and provide the grandstand finish.
(BBC)
