Amad Diallo crushes Jurgen Klopp’s hopes of winning four trophies with a last-minute goal.
Amad Diallo’s dramatic last-minute winner secured Manchester United’s place in the FA Cup semi-finals after a thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford. The match was a rollercoaster ride of emotions, with Diallo’s heroics overshadowed by his subsequent red card.
Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils started the game strongly and took the lead in the 10th minute when Scott McTominay pounced on a rebound after Caoimhin Kelleher had saved Alejandro Garnacho’s shot. McTominay had a golden opportunity to extend United’s lead but fired straight at Kelleher from 12 yards out.
However, Liverpool turned the tie on its head with two quick goals just before half-time. Alexis Mac Allister’s deflected shot beat Andre Onana at his near post, and Mohamed Salah smashed in the second after Onana could only parry Darwin Nunez’s effort.
Liverpool dominated the second half but failed to find a third goal, and United punished them in the 86th minute when substitute Antony turned inside the area and scored a fine finish into the far corner. Marcus Rashford missed a chance to win it in normal time, but Liverpool seemed to have the upper hand when Harvey Elliott’s deflected shot put them ahead in extra time.
However, United showed incredible resilience and Rashford equalized in the 112th minute. Then, in the dying seconds, Diallo scored the winner, only to be sent off for his wild celebrations.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash against Coventry City at Wembley for the Red Devils. This win is a significant boost for United, while Liverpool will see it as a missed opportunity in their bid to end Jurgen Klopp’s era on a high.
Amad Diallo was the standout player of the match for Manchester United. Despite his red card, he made a significant impact off the bench and played a crucial role in the team’s comeback. His winning goal against their arch-rivals will be remembered as a historic moment at Old Trafford.
Player Ratings:
Manchester United:
Onana 7, Wan-Bissaka 7, Dalot 7, Varane 7, Lindelof 7, Mainoo 7, McTominay 8, Garnacho 8, Fernandes 7, Rashford 7, Hojlund 6.
Subs: Maguire 6, Antony 8, Eriksen 7, Diallo 8*, Mount 5.
Liverpool:
Kelleher 7, Gomez 6, Quansah 6, Van Dijk 7, Robertson 6, Endo 6, Szoboszlai 7, Mac Allister 6, Salah 6, Diaz 7, Nunez 6.
Subs: Elliott 6, Bradley 6, Gakpo 5, Tsimikas 6, Clark 5.
In terms of match highlights, McTominay opened the scoring for United in the 10th minute, capitalizing on a rebound from Garnacho’s shot. Mac Allister equalized for Liverpool just before half-time with a deflected shot, and Salah put them ahead with a close-range finish from Nunez’s parried effort.
Antony leveled the score for United in the 86th minute with a well-taken shot, but Elliott restored Liverpool’s lead in extra time with a deflected strike. Rashford equalized again in the 112th minute, and Diallo sealed the victory in the last seconds with a low shot off the far post.