Manchester United kept their trophy aspirations alive this season and broke Liverpool’s four-trophies streak with a dramatic extra-time win in an FA Cup quarterfinal classic at Old Trafford.
In an incident-packed match, substitute Amad Diallo propelled Erik ten Hag’s team to Wembley with a score in the dying seconds of the extra session, sending the Stretford End wild, before being sent out for his celebrations.
It summed up everything about this drama, with United manager Ten Hag dancing in pleasure as Diallo’s shot flew past Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher.
United’s ambition to reach the final four at Wembley Stadium was evident in their quick start, with Scott McTominay bundling home from close range in the tenth 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, taking the lead and stunning United.
Alexis MacAllister equalised when his shot was deflected off Kobbie Mainoo, with United paying the price for allowing the brilliant Jarell Quansah to gallop forward unchecked to set up Darwin Nunez.
Mohamed Salah, United’s regular scourge, struck again quickly with his 13th goal in 14 games against them, turning home in front of the Stretford End after Andre Onana saved Nunez.
Liverpool had the best of the opportunities after the break, but substitute Antony brought United level three minutes from time with a low shot on the spin, before Marcus Rashford somehow steered a straightforward finish wide with the goal at his mercy to seal the victory.
After 105 minutes, replacement Harvey Elliott put Liverpool back in lead, his 20-yard strike deflecting off substitute Christian Eriksen and swerving tantalisingly out of Onana’s grasp.
It appeared that United had won the game, but Rashford made apologies for his earlier blunder with another equaliser, setting up that incredible conclusion with Diallo at the centre.
Erik ten Hag scores a huge win.
The advent of Sir Jim Ratcliffe as United’s co-owner has raised attention and conjecture over manager Ten Hag’s future.
And, while the Dutchman’s position was never going to be shaped entirely by a single game, there was no doubt that this one against United’s arch-rivals, who have been held up as the model of what they must do to get to where they want to be, enjoying the kind of success that used to be a way of life in this part of Manchester, would be crucial.
Finally, United secured a magnificent victory in a game that will be remembered by everyone who witnessed it.
Ten Hag now has a chance to win a trophy this season, as well as to bolster his case for staying at Old Trafford under the new football system being built under Ratcliffe’s leadership.
The so-called “Theatre Of Dreams” has waited a long time to witness such a rowdy atmosphere, culminating in wild displays of jubilation following Diallo’s victory.
United got off to an ideal start with McTominay’s goal, but things appeared to be going awry when Liverpool scored again immediately before halftime.
Liverpool were superior in the second half but were unable to capitalise, and it was a testament to United’s character that they fought back to equalise via Antony three minutes before the conclusion of regular time – and even to recover from Rashford’s awful mistake with the final kick of the 90 minutes.
They had to climb the hill again after Elliott put Liverpool back ahead in extra time, but Rashford did not miss when given another chance, giving Diallo the opportunity to win the game.
Ten Hag was beaming broadly toward the end, and why not? United’s fans seemed to be walking on air, and their boss appeared to be poised to join them.