Key talking points as Man Utd beat Liverpool in all-time FA Cup classic

Adam Drury
LiveScore
Manchester United were on cloud nine after their dramatic win over old foes Liverpool
Manchester United were on cloud nine after their dramatic win over old foes Liverpool

Manchester United beat Liverpool 4-3 after a remarkable FA Cup quarter-final was sealed by Amad Diallo in the dying moments of extra-time.

Scott McTominay had United in the lead early on before Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah put Jurgen Klopp's side ahead.

Antony's late equaliser forced extra-time but the visitors hit back, with Harvey Elliott putting them 3-2 up.

Marcus Rashford made it 3-3 and Old Trafford then erupted as Diallo squeezed home a winner.

We analyse the key talking points from an extraordinary afternoon.

Old Trafford erupts

This dramatic quarter-final win is arguably Erik ten Hag's greatest triumph as United boss with his side emerging victorious from a classic FA Cup affair.

In a match both teams could feel they deserved to win, it was Ten Hag's side that used the chaos to ensure bragging rights just when they seemed lost.

It comes as a sickener for Jurgen Klopp, whose side dominated long periods and looked set to take him a step closer to a farewell quadruple.

But a match which produced remarkable skill, terrible mistakes, end-to-end attacking football, a red card and seven goals belonged to their hosts.

Fast start

A boisterous Old Trafford pre-match atmosphere suggested a confidence among United fans that an upset was possible.

And their team responded by making a quick start during which Liverpool could not gain any control.

Kobbie Mainoo was impressive, giving Klopp's midfield no time on the ball and driving his own side forward, while Alejandro Garnacho played with typical exuberance.

And when the Argentine popped up on the left side of the box, his shot was parried into the path of McTominay to give the hosts a well-deserved lead.

The first twist

But the hosts' vulnerability was quickly exposed as Liverpool turned it around before the break without breaking sweat.

A foray forward from Jarell Quansah started a fine move that finished with Mac Allister drilling home, before Salah netted his 13th goal for the Reds against their rivals.

The quickfire double proved that for all their endeavour, United need to be at full tilt to keep up with Klopp's side.

And having been far from their best, it put the visitors in the driver's seat.

Missed chances

Liverpool did indeed dominate the second half but were left to rue a series of inexplicable missed opportunities.

Klopp appeared bemused as the likes of Dominik Szoboszlai and Cody Gakpo wasted clear openings, including a five-on-two counter-attack.

And United, who looked dead and buried, punished their profligacy.

Substitute Antony spun and finished from nowhere to restore parity with three minutes remaining — before Rashford missed a golden chance to win it very late in front of a feverish Stretford End.

The final act

The drama had only just begun, however, with Liverpool attacker Elliott scoring the first of three goals in extra-time.

The youngster thought he had won it after his strike deflected past Andre Onana only for Rashford to redeem himself by hauling United level once more.

And that set up a staggering finish as the hosts — with Bruno Fernandes hobbling around in defence and Antony at full-back — broke clear to win it.

Diallo was the unlikely hero before completing the chaos by being sent off for removing his shirt in the celebration.

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FA CupManchester UnitedLiverpool