The heavily anticipated match up between Manchester United and Liverpool was one to remember. Goals from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo in extra time helped Manchester United to beat Liverpool 4-3 in an FA Cup classic at Old Trafford. This win helped Manchester United’s to prolong their 100% home record against Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Liverpool were the favorites heading into the match as they are in second place in the the Premier League (tied on 64 points with Arsenal) while Manchester United sits in sixth place after a troubling second season in charge for the coach, Erik Ten Hag. The Red Devils have suffered a worrying amount of losses this season with 16 so far. However, they were not prepared to let Liverpool make it 17.
On the other hand, Liverpool were enjoying a standout season, one that will be legendary coach Jurgen Klopp’s last with the Reds. When the announcement of the German’s departure from the club was made public, the target for the season was clear, go out with a bang. The Reds were hoping to achieve an outstanding quadruple (Europa League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and Premier League). The reds have already achieved Carabao Cup success, a top spot in the Premier League, and a highly anticipated FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United.
The game started and never stopped! Both teams were going full throttle at each others’ goals. United started the strongest with a few shots at back-up goalie Caoimhin Kellehers goal until United midfielder and top-goalscorer for the season Scott McTominay got on the rebound of Alexandro Garnachos’ shot to tap the ball into an empty net 10 minutes in, advantage United. Throughout the first-half, United looked as if they were on top of the match; the Red Devils looked sharp and focused. It was not until the 39th minute when United made a mistake at the back to give Wataru Endo a tap in. Luckily for the hosts, the goal was chopped off by VAR for offsides on Mohamed Salah. It took Liverpool five minutes to level the match with an Alexis Mac Allister rocket at the near post, followed quickly with a Salah tap-in to an empty net, 2-1 Liverpool at half-time.
The second-half dragged on with Liverpool in full control, United seemingly looking tired and unfit. The Reds were wasteful in front of goal but the game seemed done and dusted. In the 71st minute, United coach Erik Ten Hag subbed on Antony. The Brazilian winger has endured heavy criticism from fans and media for his poor performances since his 86 million pound move to Old Trafford last summer. It was with a rare Antony goal that the Red Devils tied the game in the 87th minute of the game. The game swung in United’s favor heading into four minutes of time added on, and the golden chance fell to Marcus Rashford but he dragged the ball wide of the post in the 94th minute and the game headed into extra-time.
The first-half of extra time was fairly even until a Harvey Eilliot shot deflected into the back of the net to put Liverpool ahead at half-time. This did not stop United as they pushed on for an equalizer scored on a poor pass from Darwin Nunez which fell on McTominays’ path. The midfielder played it in for Marcus Rashford who made up for his previous miss by making the score 3-3 with nine minutes to go. In the 120th minute Liverpool were awarded a corner which was cleared and due to a miscommunication by Liverpool players, Garnacho and Diallo went 2 v 1 on young Connor Bradley and Amad Diallo scored the winner to send United through to the FA Cup semi-final, a big moment for a player who is struggling to get some game-time for the Red Devils this season after his injury in the pre-season.
United will face Championship side Coventry at Wembley while Chelsea will face Manchester City in the other semi-final fixture. There is still a lot to play for for each team, Liverpool will hope to add to their Carabao Cup trophy with Premier League and Europa League success while United will hope to lift an FA Cup trophy at the end of the season.
Freshman Golnar Jalinous is a staff writer. Her email is gjalinou@fandm.edu