Manchester United produced an FA Cup epic to simultaneously reach the semi-finals and end Liverpool’s quadruple dream.
In a chaotic match at Old Trafford it was United who managed to keep their heads above water, with substitute Amad Diallo scoring a famous winner.
The youngster would be sent off for a second bookable offence, but he won’t care after scoring the goal to send United to Wembley.
Liverpool seemed to be largely in control and led 2-1. But the inability to take advantage of their opportunities cost them dearly.
Mail Sport’s NATHAN SALT was on hand to take charge of the two teams…
Manchester United produces an FA Cup epic and eliminates Liverpool at a packed Old Trafford
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MAN UNITED (4-2-3-1)
André Onana – 7.5
Made some important stops and couldn’t do much with any of the three goals. Deflections from the boots of Mainoo and Eriksen caught him with the first and third goals.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Started well in an unfamiliar left-back role, but Liverpool quickly managed to overload that side. Was one of the first to be replaced.
Rafael Varane – 6
Has been United’s best defender in recent weeks but has looked ragged at times. He didn’t cover himself in glory when he lost Salah for the second goal.
Raphael Varane struggled before breaking free in a kamikaze game on both sides
Victor Lindelof – 5.5
Was back in his more comfortable role as a centre-half, but found himself overloaded time and time again as Liverpool offered so much space to counter. I had a wasteful finish to thank Liverpool for not putting this to bed.
Diogo Dalot-6
With Luis Diaz and Andrew Robertson rushing at him, he was effectively a non-entity going forward. I didn’t look completely comfortable in either match.
Kobbie Mainoo-6.5
Was United’s best player in the first half and showed excellent footwork as Ten Hag’s side took a deserved lead. The problem is that United have no control in midfield and players like Mainoo remain far too isolated.
Scott McTominay-7.5
His goalscoring season continues and he fired in his 10th of the season for club and country. In fact, United should have doubled their lead when they were on top. Got the assist for Rashford’s goal at 3-3.
Scott McTominay finished with a goal and an assist in what was an effective performance from the Scot
Marcus Rashford-7
Third time lucky for Rashford after spurning two big chances to get on the scoresheet. It has been a tough season, but he has never lost confidence in himself here and was rewarded.
Bruno Fernandes-6
Had to be stronger ahead of Salah’s 2-1 goal when he wanted a foul from Gomez. He was booked for dissent and was fortunate not to see a red when he cut off Szoboszlai when he was on yellow. The match ended at center back.
Alejandro Garnacho-8.5
He carries so much responsibility for being United’s main creative threat and it was his clever movement that led to the opener. A constant threat and was key in the build-up to Antony’s attack. Best player in a United shirt.
Rasmus Hojlund-5
Lots of excitement on his return to the team, but this was a rusty display from a player who has shown he can offer so much more.
Rasmus Hojlund returned to the squad but looked rusty after being sidelined for a few weeks
Manager: Erik ten Hag – 7.5
This was a chance to save this miserable season and United once again played directly into the opponents’ hands by remaining ultra-visible in midfield. That depends 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 opening five minutes and was an impressive presence as United were on top at the start.
Andy Robertson-6.5
Should have scored 0-0, but that didn’t matter in the end. The threat of him moving forward nullified everything Dalot had to offer to go the other way.
Virgil van Dijk – 6.5
He urged his teammates to calm down in the opening moments and it worked. Showed great leadership when they turned it around and was the highlight of the game.
Virgil van Dijk did well in the early stages but soon struggled to contain the United attack late on
Jarell Quansah-7
Did very well driving into midfield in the build-up to the equalizer. It didn’t look overwhelmed, even when United started in a hurry. A gem of a talent.
Joe Gomez-6
Switched off Garnacho’s clever inside run for United’s opener and looked the weakest link in Liverpool’s back four. Booked.
Alexis MacAllister-6
Was booked for a cynical hold on McTominay but soon found his feet. Has now scored in the third consecutive game.
Wataru Endo – 6.5
Stays under the radar during games, but he is crucial to the way Liverpool suffocate teams in midfield. Does a lot of the rough work so those in front of him can shine.
Wataru Endo does a lot of the dirty work, but Liverpool couldn’t take advantage of that when he was top
Dominik Szoboszlai-5
Very neat from the Hungarian, but he was occasionally guilty of overthinking when it came to the delivery in the final third.
Luis Diaz-6
Full of running, but just missing the quality when he was in the final third. Also works hard to get back to his own goal… which isn’t always the case for United’s attackers.
Darwin Nunez-5
He signed Lindelof and gave the Swede plenty to think about, even if the chances for him to get on the scoresheet were slim.
Mohamed Salah-7
He scored what he thought would be the decisive goal to knock Manchester United out of the FA Cup. He seemed a little surprised when he was sent off with the match on the line.
Mohamed Salah thought he had scored the decisive goal before being surprisingly sent off
Manager: Jurgen Klopp – 6.5
He was tearing his hair out that his players hadn’t put this to bed when they were vomiting 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