[Result] Man Utd 4-3 Liverpool: FA Cup Quarterfinals

Twice behind, Amad Diallo's extra-time winner helped Man Utd beat Liverpool 4-3 in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

The two teams gave the audience an exciting score chase. Man Utd did not play cautiously like when they held Liverpool to a 0-0 draw at Anfield last December in the Premier League. On the contrary, Erik ten Hag's team actively attacked from the first minutes. Man Utd welcomed the return of their main striker Rasmus Hojlund and they dominated their opponents in the first 20 minutes.

McTominay finished close to the goal, opening the score for Man Utd. Photo: AP

The home team's efforts were rewarded with the opening goal in the 10th minute. Alejandro Garnacho escaped Liverpool's defenders to receive a through ball from Marcus Rashford. His right-footed shot was blocked by Caoimhin Kelleher, but Scott McTominay was able to swoop in to score the rebound. The home team scored early, bringing the Old Trafford crowd to life. Down on the pitch, Man Utd players seemed to be fired up. If Hojlund or Rashford had handled the ball better, Man Utd might have doubled the gap.

Liverpool controlled the tempo midway through the game. They did not rush forward, but patiently waited for their opponents to make a mistake. In the 38th minute, Wataru Endo shook the Man Utd net with a low cross-shot, but the referee determined that Mohamed Salah was offside when he made the pass. The disallowed goal was like a wake-up call for Man Utd as the space in front of their penalty area was repeatedly exposed - a consequence of Casemiro's absence, forcing Kobbie Mainoo to play as a holding midfielder with McTominay.

After the break, Man Utd once again entered the game with the intention of attacking. But they could not surprise their opponents like in the first half. In fact, although they still created quite impressive combinations on both sides, the home team lacked attacking ideas and needed Onana's talent to avoid further defeat. The bright spot for Man Utd in this match was that their players played with great determination. That did not change when Ten Hag quickly took Hojlund off the field and brought on Antony.

Mac Allister equalized for Liverpool late in the first half. Photo: Reuters — Mac Allister equalized for Liverpool late in the first half. Photo: *Reuters*

This was the correct decision of the Dutch coach. Because the former Ajax player showed his top attacking qualities with a turn and a right-footed shot in the penalty area, surprising the Liverpool defense. Antony burst into joy after this goal. The goal helped him relieve the psychological pressure of a season of poor performance, losing his starting position and being constantly criticized for factors on and off the field.

Man Utd could have finished off their opponents in the second half. In the fourth minute of stoppage time, Christian Eriksen's long ball put Rashford one-on-one with Kelleher. But his neat right-footed shot missed the post by inches.

The two extra periods were as dramatic as the regular period. Liverpool took the lead. Harvey Elliott's long-range shot hit Eriksen's foot and changed direction before going between Harry Maguire's legs. Onana changed direction and dived but was too late because he missed his momentum.

It seemed like Man Utd would be defeated at home, but in the 112th minute, Nunez's mistake opened up a valuable counter-attack opportunity for the home team. McTominay passed the ball to Rashford for a one-touch finish, leaving Kelleher rooted to the spot. Not long after, McTominay missed the chance to score twice after receiving a cross from Rashford. His diving shot went wide of the post.

Amad Diallo took off his shirt and shared joy with Man Utd fans after scoring the winning goal. Photo: AP

Thus, Man Utd is the fourth team to reach the semi-finals of the FA Cup this year, along with Man City, Chelsea and Coventry City. Liverpool's dream of winning four trophies has been shattered and they will focus on the Premier League and Europa League for the rest of the season.

Quang Huy

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