Manchester United Secures FA Cup Quarterfinal Victory Over Liverpool in Thrilling Extra Time Clash
Liverpool’s historic quadruple dreams under Jürgen Klopp’s tenure at Anfield came to an end as they suffered a heart-wrenching 4-3 extra time defeat against Manchester United in the FA Cup quarterfinals. The highly anticipated clash between the bitter rivals unfolded at Old Trafford, with goals from Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo securing a thrilling win for the Red Devils.
The FA Cup quarterfinal was a rollercoaster ride for both teams, with Liverpool initially holding the upper hand in the opening minutes. Goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher, deputizing for Alisson, was forced into action by United twice within the first 10 minutes of play. However, it was the home team that took an early lead through McTominay in the 10th minute after a saved shot by Kelleher.
Liverpool responded strongly, with Dominik Szoboszlai missing an opportunity to level the score in the 13th minute. The Reds continued to create chances and eventually equalized through a deflected goal by Alexis Mac Allister from Darwin Núñez’s setup in the 39th minute. Liverpool seemed poised for victory, but a flurry of events before halftime shifted momentum to Manchester United.
Núñez had an opportunity to give Liverpool the lead right before halftime, but his shot was saved by Onana. In the ensuing chaos, Salah rifled home to put Liverpool ahead just moments later, making it 2-1 at the break.
Liverpool carried their positive momentum into the second half and continued to dominate play, with Onana saving efforts from Núñez twice and Mac Allister sending a free kick soaring over the bar. United’s Antony dragged an effort wide in their rare venture forward, but Liverpool squandered a golden opportunity to put the game beyond doubt with a five-on-two counterattack in the 80th minute.
Despite their control of the game, Liverpool was caught off guard when Antony equalized for Manchester United in the 87th minute after a swift attack. The Reds responded with a chance from Harvey Elliott that hit the post, while Marcus Rashford missed an opportunity to win it for United in the final minute of regulation time.
The two teams headed into a tense extra time period, with Liverpool regaining the lead when Elliott’s long-range strike deflected off Christian Eriksen in the first half of extra time. However, parity was restored when Rashford scored to level the score at 3-3 midway through the second half of extra time.
Manchester United ultimately secured victory in the dying seconds when Diallo, a second-half substitute, led a counterattack and scored to give the Red Devils a 4-3 win. Despite Diallo’s celebratory removal of his shirt, which resulted in a second yellow card and dismissal, his late-game heroics will be fondly remembered by United fans.
Manchester United advances to the FA Cup semifinals, where they’ll face Championship side Coventry City. In the other semifinal, an all-Premier League clash will see Manchester City take on Chelsea, who defeated Newcastle United and Leicester City in their respective quarterfinal matches.
