MANCHESTER, England (Reuters) – Manchester United’s triumph over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals was a thrilling 4-3 comeback victory in extra time that kept their trophy hopes alive. Manager Erik ten Hag sees this win as a potential turning point for the team’s fortunes in the Premier League.
The winning goal was scored by Amad Diallo in the 121st minute, following an equalizer by Marcus Rashford just eight minutes earlier. The 12-time FA Cup champions secured a spot in the semi-finals where they will face second-tier Coventry City.
Ten Hag expressed his delight, stating, “This could be that pivotal moment where the team can really believe in themselves and the energy to do amazing things. When you can beat Liverpool in this way, you can beat any opponent.”
Currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, United are 17 points behind Liverpool in second position. More importantly, they are nine points behind Aston Villa in the race for a Champions League spot next season, with a game in hand.
Former United captain Roy Keane believes that the exhilarating win against Liverpool could be a unifying force for the team, especially the younger players who may not have experienced the positive atmosphere at Old Trafford before.
Despite the struggles United has faced this season, Sunday’s match will be remembered as a classic battle that showcased the team’s fighting spirit.
Ten Hag acknowledged the significance of the historic rivalry between Manchester United and Liverpool, stating, “When it’s Manchester United against Liverpool, it’s one of the world’s best football matches. It is historical. I thought the first 35 minutes were the best I have seen from my team this season.”
Manchester City, United’s local rivals and current FA Cup holders, will face Chelsea in the other semi-final at Wembley next month, setting up an exciting climax to the competition.
(Reporting by Lori Ewing; Editing by Ken Ferris)
