With an FA Cup tie for the ages, this battle between rivals United and Liverpool did not let us down. With huge late drama dragging the tie into extra time, the victory is huge for United and building some morale as they look determined to claim silverware in Ten Hag’s second season, adding to their Carabao Cup success of last year.

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Teams

Manchester United: Onana, Dalot, Lindelof (Mount 105′), Varane (Amad 85′), Wan-Bissaka (Maguire 71′), Mainoo (Eriksen 80′), McTominay, Rashford, Fernandes, Garnacho, Hojlund (Antony 71′)

Subs: Heaton, Kambwala, Forson, Amrabat

Liverpool: Kelleher, Robertson (Bradley 76′), Van Dijk, Quansah, Gomez (Tsimikas 101′), Szoboszlai (Elliott 72′), Endo, Mac Allister, Luis Diaz (Clark 114′), Nunez, Salah (Gakpo 77′)

Subs: Adrian, McConnell, Gravenberch, Danns

Manchester United 4-3 Liverpool

Manchester United edged a breathtaking FA Cup quarter-final 4–3 after extra time against Liverpool, producing one of the competition’s all-time classic ties at Old Trafford. United started brightly and took the lead through Scott McTominay, who reacted quickest to turn in a rebound after Alejandro Garnacho’s shot had been parried. But Liverpool soon wrestled control of the match, with their pressing and movement forcing United deeper as the half progressed.

Just before the interval, Liverpool struck twice in quick succession. Alexis Mac Allister levelled with a low finish after a flowing move, and Mohamed Salah put Jürgen Klopp’s side ahead moments later, sweeping in after André Onana had saved Darwin Núñez’s initial effort. Liverpool carried that momentum into the second half, but United clung on and found a dramatic equaliser when Antony, brought on from the bench, curled in a rare left-footed strike to send the tie to extra time.

In the added period, Harvey Elliott restored Liverpool’s advantage with a deflected effort, only for Marcus Rashford to haul United back again with a composed finish. With penalties looming, the decisive moment arrived in stoppage time of extra time: Garnacho led a lightning counterattack and squared for Amad Diallo, who guided a brilliant first-time shot into the bottom corner. The Ivorian’s winner sealed a dramatic United victory, sparking wild celebrations and securing their place in the FA Cup semi-finals after an unforgettable cup tie.

Talking Points

The closing stages of the tie were defined by sheer chaos, befitting a match that had already swung wildly in momentum. Extra time alone produced three goals, with Harvey Elliott’s deflected strike seemingly tilting the contest Liverpool’s way before Marcus Rashford replied to revive United yet again. Then, with penalties seconds away, Amad Diallo delivered the decisive moment after a blistering counterattack led by Alejandro Garnacho. The dramatic finale encapsulated a match in which composure wavered, defences tired, and both sides chased victory with abandon.

For Manchester United, the win carried significance far beyond simple progression. Beating Liverpool, especially in a season where results and performances had often been inconsistent, injected belief at a crucial moment. The manner of the victory, battling back multiple times and finding decisive contributions from both established stars and younger players, offered a rare sense of unity and momentum. It also eased pressure on Erik ten Hag, whose decisions and substitutions proved pivotal in shaping the outcome.

The FA Cup now stands as United’s most realistic avenue for silverware this season, and this victory reinforced their sense of opportunity. With several top sides already eliminated and United showing they can rise to big occasions, the competition offers both a lifeline and a platform. The win over Liverpool did more than keep their season alive; it provided a pathway toward tangible success and a chance to salvage a campaign that has often felt disjointed. The challenge now is to capitalise on this moment and sustain the intensity that brought them this far.