In order to extinguish Liverpool’s hopes of winning the FA Cup, Manchester United crafted an FA Cup masterpiece that allowed them to advance to the semi-finals at the same time.

With a legendary winner scored by a replacement named Amad Diallo, Manchester United were able to keep their heads above water in a game that was played at Old Trafford and was a complete and utter disaster.

following scoring the goal that sent United to Wembley, the teenager would go on to be sent out for a second bookable offence, but he won’t care because he scored the goal following United’s victory.

 

For the most part, Liverpool appeared to be in control of the situation, and they emerged with a 2-1 lead. However, they suffered a great deal as a result of their incapacity to take risks.

NATHAN SALT, who works for Mail Sport, was present to oversee the competition between the two teams…

 

Manchester United produce an FA Cup epic to knock Liverpool out at a packed Old Trafford

  

MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)

Andre Onana – 7.5

Made a number of key stops and could do little with any of the three goals. Deflections off the boots of Mainoo and Eriksen caught him out for the first and third goal.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6

Started well in an unfamiliar left back role but Liverpool soon managed to overload on that side. Was among the first to be replaced.

Raphael Varane – 6

Has been United’s best defender in recent weeks but looked ragged at times here. Didn’t cover himself in glory when he lost Salah for the second goal.

 

Raphael Varane struggled before he came off in what was a kamikaze game at both ends

Victor Lindelof – 5.5

Was once again playing the more comfortable position of center back, but he found himself being overloaded on multiple occasions since Liverpool was given so much room to counterattack. It is because to Liverpool’s inefficient finishing that they were unable to put this matter to rest.

Diogo Dalot – 6

With Luis Diaz and Andrew Robertson running at him he was effectively a non-entity going forward. Never quite looked comfortable in either match-up.

Kobbie Mainoo – 6.5

Was United’s best player in the first half, showing some excellent footwork as Ten Hag’s side took a deserved lead. Issue is that United have zero control in midfield and it leaves the likes of Mainoo way too isolated. 

Scott McTominay – 7.5

His goal-scoring season continues as he fired in his 10th of the season for club and country. Really should have doubled United’s lead when they were on top. Got the assist for Rashford’s goal at 3-3. 

 

Scott McTominay finished with a goal and assist in what was an effective display by the Scot

Marcus Rashford – 7

Third time lucky for Rashford after he spurned two great chances to get on the scoresheet. It’s been a tough season but he never lost faith in himself here and was rewarded.

Bruno Fernandes – 6

Needed to be stronger prior to Salah’s goal at 2-1 when he wanted a foul from Gomez. Was booked for dissent and was fortunate not to see red when he clipped Szoboszlai when on a yellow. Finished the match at centre back.

Alejandro Garnacho – 8.5

Carries so much responsibility to be United’s main creative threat and it was his clever movement which led to the opener. A constant threat and was key in the build-up to Antony’s strike. Best player in a United shirt.

Rasmus Hojlund – 5

Lots of excitement at his return to the team but this was a rusty display from a player that has shown he can offer so much more.

 

Rasmus Hojlund made a return to the side but he looked rusty after a few weeks sidelined

Manager: Erik ten Hag – 7.5

This was a chance to save this miserable season and United once again played straight into the hands of the opponents by remaining ultra exposed in midfield. That’s on the manager.

SUBS

Antony (for Rasmus Hojlund, 71) – 7

Harry Maguire (for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, 71) – 7.5

Christian Eriksen (for Kobbie Mainoo, 80) – 5.5

Amad Diallo (for Raphael Varane, 85) – 7

Mason Mount (for Victor Lindelof, 105) – 6

  

LIVERPOOL (4-3-3)

Caoimhin Kelleher – 7

Made a brilliant save to deny Rashford in the first five minutes and was a commanding presence when United were on top at the start.

Andy Robertson – 6.5

Should have scored at 0-0 but it didn’t end up mattering. The threat of him going forward nullified anything Dalot could offer going the other way.

Virgil van Dijk – 6.5

Was urging his team-mates to calm down in the early moments and it worked. Showed great leadership as they turned it around and was the game’s stand out.

 

Virgil van Dijk did well in early stages but soon struggled to stem the United onslaught late on

Jarell Quansah – 7

Did really well to drive into midfield in the build-up to the equaliser. Didn’t look overwhelmed even when United started in a hurry. A gem of a talent.

Joe Gomez – 6

Switched off for Garnacho’s clever inside run for United’s opener and looked the weakest link in the Liverpool back four. Booked.

Alexis Mac Allister – 6

Was booked for a cynical grab on McTominay but soon found his groove. Has now scored in third successive games.

Wataru Endo – 6.5

Goes under the radar during games but he’s crucial to how Liverpool smother teams in midfield. Does a lot of the gritty work so those ahead of him can shine.

 

Wataru Endo does a lot of the dirty work but Liverpool could not capitalise when on top

Dominik Szoboszlai – 5

Neat and tidy from the Hungarian but he was guilty of overthinking at times when it came to delivery in the final third.

Luis Diaz – 6

Full of running but just lacked the quality when he was in the final third. Works hard going back towards his own goal too… which isn’t always the case for United’s attackers.

Darwin Nunez – 5

Pulled onto Lindelof and gave the Swede plenty to think about, even if chances were at a premium for him to get himself on the scoresheet.

Mohamed Salah – 7

Scored what he thought would be the decisive goal to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup. Looked a tad puzzled to have been taken off with the match in the balance.

 

Mohamed Salah thought he had scored the decisive goal before he was surprisingly taken off

Manager: Jurgen Klopp – 6.5

Was tearing his hair out that his players didn’t put this to bed when they broke at will and the quadruple dream is now officially over. Will be furious at the arrogance of some of his players when they should have put the game to bed. 

SUBS:

Harvey Elliott (for Dominik Szoboszlai, 72) – 7

Conor Bradley (for Andy Robertson, 76) – 5

Cody Gakpo (for Mohamed Salah, 77) – 5

Kostas Tsimikas (for Joe Gomez, 101) – 5

Bobby Clark (for Luis Diaz, 114) – 6