Kelvin Bowoto
Manchester United kept their trophy aspirations alive this season and halted Liverpool’s quest for four trophies with a dramatic extra-time win in an FA Cup quarter-final classic at Old Trafford.
In an eventful match, substitute Amad Diallo propelled Erik ten Hag’s team to victory with a strike in the dying seconds of the extra session that sent the Stretford End wild before being sent out for his celebrations.
It summed up everything about this drama, with United manager Ten Hag dancing with joy as Diallo’s shot flew past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
United’s ambition to reach the final four at Wembley Stadium was demonstrated by their quick start, with Scott McTominay bundling home from close range in the 10th minute after Kelleher had saved Alejandro Garnacho’s attempt.
Kelleher denied McTominay again from close range before Liverpool flipped the tie on its head with two goals in three minutes on the stroke of half-time to seize the lead and stun Manchester United.
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Alexis MacAllister equalised when his shot was deflected off Kobbie Mainoo, with United paying the price for allowing the brilliant Jarell Quansah to rush forward unopposed to feed Darwin Nunez.
And Mohamed Salah, United’s usual scourge, scored his 13th goal in 14 games against them, turning home in front of the Stretford End after Andre Onana saved from Nunez.
Liverpool had the best of the chances after the break, but substitute Antony leveled the game three minutes from the conclusion of normal time with a low effort on the spin, before Marcus Rashford somehow steered an easy finish wide with the goal at his mercy to seal the victory.
According to the BBC, substitute Harvey Elliott put Liverpool ahead after 105 minutes, with his 20-yard strike taking a key touch off substitute Christian Eriksen and swerving tantalizingly out of Onana’s grasp.
It appeared that United had won the game, but Rashford made amends for his earlier blunder with another equaliser, setting up that spectacular climax with Diallo in the spotlight.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
