Man United vs Liverpool | 2023/24 FA Cup

Manchester United vs Liverpool, Man United vs Liverpool, FA Cup

Man United beat Liverpool 4-3 in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal tie at Old Trafford on Sunday. Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo were on the scoresheet for the Red Devils, while Alexis Mac Allister, Mohamed Salah and Harvey Elliott found the net for the Merseysiders.

The match was decided in extra time after it ended 2-2 in the stipulated 90 minutes. Erik ten Hag’s men were down 3-2 in extra time, but scored two quick goals from Rashford and Diallo in the second half of extra time to win the match 4-3 at final whistle.

Amad Diallo after scoring the last-minute winner against Liverpool, Man United Liverpool 4-3 — Image Obtained Via Sky Sports

The Red Devils will play Coventry City in the semifinals on 20th April. Ten Hag’s men will fancy their chances of reaching the FA Cup final yet again after last season. Let us now take a look at the three key takeaways from the Man United vs Liverpool match:

1. Manchester United Had A Very Effective High Press:

The hosts started the match in a resounding manner, with Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes pressing high and Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford joining the press at times. Scott McTominay also stayed close to the press, as the Liverpool centre-backs had a difficult time dealing with it.

Man United forced a number of turnovers inside the Liverpool half during the initial 30 minutes and the home side’s first goal also came from one such turnover. The intensity of the press came down gradually after that and it helped Jurgen Klopp’s men to get back into the match.

2. Liverpool Dominated The Midfield Battle For The Most Part:

The visitors had the better share of exchanges in the middle-third with Mac Allister, Wataru Endo and Dominik Szoboszlai asserting themselves. In addition to that, Robertson’s overlaps helped the Reds to launch their attacks through the left repeatedly.

Manchester United Vs Liverpool – FA Cup Cinematic Highlights pic.twitter.com/5IX6MhDtOG

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There were a number of passes played across the width of the pitch that made things difficult for the United defence. The relentless pressure from Liverpool helped them to pick up a couple of goals and they kept taking shots at goal, which forced United keeper Andre Onana to come up with a flurry of saves.

3. United Increased Numbers Upfront To Reap The Rewards:

The home side set up in a low block after taking the lead and continued to do so for the better part of the first 70 minutes, thereby not allowing the dangerous Mo Salah enough space in the final-third. However, after the Egyptian winger was taken off, the Red Devils changed the system and started playing with a high line, putting numbers upfront.

Moreover, United manager Erik ten Hag also took Hojlund off and introduced Antony on the right flank, with Garnacho shifting to the left. Antony used his weaker right foot in this match more often than he usually does and coincidentally also scored United’s crucial second goal with it.

Amad, who also came on as a substitute, helped the home side get even with the Merseysiders in the middle of the pitch and eventually scored the match-winner. Manchester United played the last 30-odd minutes with a back-three, with Amad and Christian Eriksen joining McTominay in the midfield.

United took defenders off to put attackers and scorers on the pitch when they were trailing such that they only had two designated defenders in Harry Maguire and Diogo Dalot on the pitch for the last 15 minutes. Antony was filling in as the left-back and we even saw Bruno as a CB.

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