Manchester United vs Liverpool: An Overview
Manchester United managed to edge past Liverpool to make it to the FA Cup semifinal. The Red Devils needed a late goal in extra time to get the win over their arch-rivals at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag’s side took the lead in the game but could not hold on until halftime. Jurgen Klopp’s men pulled two goals without three minutes towards the end of the first half, and the mood changed inside the stadium.
The home side looked set to exit the cup competition until the 86th minute but managed to pull level. The scoreline did not change in the final minutes of normal time, and extra time was needed to split the two sides.
Liverpool managed to retake the lead right at the end of the first half of extra time. However, they could not extend it and that saw the Red Devils pull level with 8 minutes to go.
Klopp’s side seemed to have the last chance to score in extra time, but the corner was cleared and Manchester United managed to counter and score the winner at the other end.
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Manchester United vs Liverpool: Match Analysis
Manchester United dominated the early parts of the match, and Scott McTominay helped them take the lead in the 10th minute of the game. They had chances to double their lead but failed to make the most of it, and that saw Liverpool grow into the match.
Jurgen Klopp’s side were creating chances and seven shots before Alexis Mac Allister found the back of the net to equalize in the 44th minute. They did not have to wait long for their second as Mohamed Salah slotted it another in the 2nd minute of added time in the first half.
Manchester United were chasing the game, and Liverpool were happy to keep the possession in the second half. The Red Devils were unable to get anything on target until Antony turned out to be their unlikely hero by scoring with their only shot on target in second half in the 87th minute.
The first half of extra time saw both sides combine for just one shot on target. However, that shot turned out to be Liverpool’s third goal of the game, with Harvey Elliott scoring thanks to a deflection off Christian Erikson.
It was all Manchester United in the second half of extra time but they needed some help from a sloppy Darwin Nunez pass to get back into the game. The ball hit McTominay, and the Scotsman assisted Marcus Rashford in the 112th minute.
The match looked set for a penalty shootout, but a counterattack in the 120th minute saw Amad Diallo score the winner.
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Top Performers
Scott McTominay – Manchester United
The Manchester United midfielder was outstanding for the home side as he scored and assisted in the game. He was able to help them control the midfield in the first half and was running up and down for the entire game.
Alexis Mac Allister – Liverpool
Similar to McTominay for Manchester United, Alexis Mac Allister was key for Liverpool. He too scored the first goal of the game, but for the away side and that saw them grow in confidence.
Also read: Manchester United vs Liverpool player ratings as Red Devils seal semifinal spot
Manchester United vs Liverpool: Match Point
The result saw Manchester United seal their place in the FA Cup semifinal. The Red Devils are now set to face Coventry City, with Chelsea taking on Manchester City in the other semifinal.
As for Liverpool, it ended Jurgen Klopp’s quest for the quadruple in his final season with the Reds.