Manchester United booked a spot in the semi-finals of the FA Cup after downing Liverpool in extra time in a 7-goal thriller at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
United started the game brilliantly, bossing proceedings and scoring the opener through Scott McTominay in the 10th minute.
Liverpool then grew into the game in the latter stages of the first half and eventually equalized through Alexis McAllister, after which Mo Saah quickly followed up with Liverpool’s second goal in stoppage time, the sides went into the break with Liverpool 2-1 to the good.
Erik ten Hag’s substitutions then paid off as Antony scored a late equalizer in the 87th minute, sending the tie to extra time. Harvey Elliot then put Liverpool ahead again, before Marcus Rashford equalised and youngster Amad Diallo netted the winner in extra time stoppage time. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Ten Hag commended the way his youngsters performed.
“I’m pleased with the performance. We showed we have a bright future. We allowed Liverpool back into the game, but showed resilience and determination to win.
“We have to adapt a lot because of injuries, but now we can deal with it better and get our wins,” he added.
Asked about his team’s style of play and if they actually have one, he responded “It’s very clear how we want to play. But constantly having to adapt because of injuries will impact how you play. We want to play out from the back and defend as a team, either in a very high or a very low block”.
Ten Hag will hope these tactics will carry on proving useful as they have been drawn against Coventry for the semi-final round, which will be on the 20th of April. They will really fancy their chances of getting into the final to play against the winner of the Chelsea and Man City tie, which will take place on the same day at Wembley.
FA Cup Semi Final Fixtures:
Manchester City vs Chelsea – 20 April 2024
Coventry vs Manchester United – 20 April 2023
