Man United 4-3 Liverpool: An All Time FA Cup Classic!

Published by CM22ENT on 17 March 202417 March 2024

The North West Derby. A rivalry between two teams. Manchester United and Liverpool. Two teams who for many decades have battled for supremacy amongst their peers, but also have endured years of anguish. Times that only added to the historical value of each outfit. No matter what, there’s always a story to be told.

Today’s new page depicts the 19^th meeting between both teams in the Football Associations Cup. This meeting in particular on any occasion tends to conjure up moments of brilliance, much like Eric Cantona’s exquisite match winning volley in the 1996 Final.

Back to the modern day, where Liverpool who dethroned United’s triumph last season to become League Cup champions in February looked to inflict some more pain for Erik ten Hag’s side on route to what could be a sensational final run for their departing manager Jürgen Klopp.

Manchester United attempted a swift start, aiming to produce devastating balls beyond the defence of captain Virgil Van Dijk and Jarell Quansah. Ultimately it was an intricate combination between Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho which caught out Liverpool’s right side and as the Argentinians strike was saved, Scott Mctominay followed up to devour. A dream opening 15 minutes.

The fixture started to open up as Liverpool acclimatised themselves in enemy territory. Minimal clear cut opportunities, but signs of danger that later translated to Luis Díaz testing Andre Onana at his near post and Endō’s goal being chalked off for Mo Salah’s shoulder being offside. It was their turn to sustain pressure, and so they did.

Perhaps Manchester United needed half time to arrive before the warning signs resulted in legitimate damage. Unfortunately, when you rely on time, it tends to punish you with an eternity of stalling. That eternity provided double trouble. A comeback that had been on the cards given the electricity of this United performance already passing its sell by date. Alexis Mac Allister drove his strike into the right hand corner to equalise. All credit goes to the powerful run of Quansah to begin with.

Soon after, Mohamed Salah completed the comeback following up from a Darwin Núñez strike to give Erik ten Hag a challenging half time team talk. One that would’ve seemed far from reality given their earlier position of dominance. There also was an echo of controversy surrounding Liverpool’s second given the forceful nature of Joe Gomez’s challenge on Bruno Fernandes.

Despite a small collection of dice turns, the Red Devils failed to avenge their previous mistakes and seemed as if they had close to nothing left. All beliefs bottled up and eradicated. That also stemmed from a home crowd that seemed subdued for obvious reasons. They needed just one moment to re-ignite the flame.

Many players in a red shirt this season have suffered from attacking deficiencies. No more than Antony which I’m sure is up for debate. His only goal this season prior to gametime was in the FA Cup against Newport County. Despite the lack of production, Erik ten Hag had been rather bullish with his defence of the Brazilian, and those continued opportunities off the bench finally paid off with a moment of brilliance. Out of nothing, Antony’s quick swivel after controlling Garnacho’s deflected strike produced late drama as he squeezed a low shot past Caoimhin Kelleher in Liverpool’s goal. All of that Merseyside momentum diminished with a class that had been severely lacking. 

Atmospherics were on another level as Manchester United pushed to win it all. No better chance created than Marcus Rashford’s that agonisingly rolled past the wrong side of Kelleher’s goal as all anticipation was soon to be met with the ultimate level of disappointment.

The emotional rollercoaster wasn’t to be concluded after that point either, with extra time commencing. A period that saw Manchester United crash again after Harvey Elliot’s long range strike deflected off the boot of Christian Eriksen and past Andre Onana.

Was there one last turn to equal the contest? Or maybe two if you were to include a penalty shootout… What had now developed into an all timer FA Cup clash ascended into ecstasy with Marcus Rashford making good on his last minute miss in normal time. You could see, hear, and feel the relief in Old Trafford. Liverpool themselves were shocked to the core. It was Manchester United who reacted after their third and United were not to be denied again.

Substitute Amad Diallo at the death found himself with Alejandro Garnacho in a 2v1 situation. In fact, as Garnacho played the final pass, living up to the drama it arrived behind the Ivorian, but Diallo certainly found the yellow brick road. His shot wasn’t the cleanest, but had all the accuracy required to find netting for a final time. I couldn’t dare describe the atmosphere anymore. Just go and listen to it yourself!

Football is always a joy to watch. Today was different however. A spiritual experience that only those who laid their eyes upon such a game could describe. This was an excellent representation of the sensational chaos this sport can construct.

Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United can now look forward to a semi final tie against Coventry City who are not to be overlooked after their gobsmacking 3-2 victory against Wolves. in the meantime, Brentford will be looking to burst United’s bubble after the international break concludes. What a way to go out beforehand.

How did you assess the game and each team’s performance? Have your say in the comment section, and feel free to follow my accounts on X, TikTok, and YouTube where I’ll be providing extra Man Utd content and updates. Contact CM via email or social media platforms by clicking here.