Man United 4-3 Liverpool: 5 things noticed, including transfer changing player

Manchester United defeated Liverpool 4-3 at Old Trafford in one of the most brilliant FA Cup quarter-finals that the competition has ever had the pleasure of seeing.

Erik ten Hag chose to start Scott McTominay against Liverpool following Casemiro’s injury as Manchester United welcomed them to Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-final.

The first half started perfectly for United, with Ten Hag’s men testing the Liverpool goal multiple times, leading to McTominay’s opening goal after 10 minutes, poking in a rebound from Alejandro Garnacho‘s initial shot.

Read More: Why Amad Diallo can still play in FA Cup semi-final despite red card vs Liverpool

While United dominated proceedings in the first half, Liverpool grabbed themselves two goals just before half-time, with a deflection off Kobbie Mainoo seeing Alexis Mac Allister score the first and a rebound effort from Mohammed Salah handing them a lead just before half-time.

The second half was rather stale, with Liverpool not taking multiple chances to kill the game off, and they were punished as substitute Antony swung round in the area to score in the 86th minute to leave the game at 2-2 and into extra time once the 90 minutes were up.

The extra 30 minutes then saw Liverpool take the lead right before the 115th minute, but two goals in five minutes from Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo saw the club through to what was one of the most thrilling games ever witnessed at Old Trafford.

#1 – Kobbie Mainoo, wow

A moment must be taken to discuss just how brilliant Mainoo was against Liverpool in what was a huge game for both Ten Hag and his players.

He was calm and composed, and he is really starting to show his full range of talents in midfield at United. He complemented Marcus Rashford on the left hand side, leading to multiple good chances in the game.

Mainoo played 80 minutes and has rightly received immense praise for what was no less than a brilliant performance in midfield against one of the best teams in Europe.

#2 – The players gave up until they didn’t

During the second half, it felt as if United were starting to give up, crumbling under the increasing pressure Liverpool was applying. Ten Hag introduced Antony and Harry Maguire to try to force a change in the dynamic.

This handed the players an immediate boost, which cumulated in Antony’s equalising goal in the 86th minute, meaning United became the momentum dictators for extra time.

Although Elliot’s goal may have downed the mood on another day, the sheer willpower from United players was not dented that they already had proof that they could fight back, and the two goals from Rashford and Amad right at the death felt only right.

#3 – Wan-Bissaka’s transfer

Aaron Wan-Bissaka may just have changed Erik ten Hag’s mind when it comes to the summer transfer window.

It has been rumoured that he is on the chopping block for a summer move as the club want to raise funds for other deals; however, Ten Hag was full of praise for the right-back who filled in at left-back for the game.

“Aaron Wan-Bissaka was playing so well,” he said. Considering Shaw’s injury, Wan-Bissaka may have been given a chance to stay at the club beyond this summer.

#4 – Fernandes is a fighter

This may be one thing people already knew, but Bruno Fernandes proved once again that he, as Manchester United captain, is a fighter and a leader in the dressing room.

Much has been made about Fernandes this season, but against Liverpool, he played through high levels of pain to maintain his side’s attacking threat in extra time despite cameras showing that he was limping.

He even slotted in at centre-back for the final minutes, playing alongside Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot, and Antony ahead of André Onana.

#5 – Trophy on the line

United have drawn Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup, with the clubs now just one game away from the final of the competition.

The two sides will play at Wembley Stadium for a place in the last round against either Manchester City or Chelsea, where history could repeat itself.

Last season, United lost 2-1 to Manchester City in the FA Cup final. This time around, Ten Hag may get his chance for revenge with a trophy on the line.