Man United Ends Liverpool's Quadruple Dream in FA Cup Thriller

Manchester United Halts Liverpool's Quadruple Quest in FA Cup Quarter-final Thriller

Liverpool's ambitions of clinching a remarkable quadruple in Jürgen Klopp's farewell season have been dashed following a dramatic 4-3 extra-time defeat to arch-rival Manchester United in an exhilarating FA Cup quarter-final showdown.

The match unfolded as a roller-coaster ride at Old Trafford in Manchester, with goals from Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo securing the victory for United in a captivating FA Cup spectacle.

Despite Liverpool's recent triumph in the Carabao Cup by defeating Chelsea, their hopes were thwarted by United's resilience. Liverpool seemed destined for victory on two occasions, but United orchestrated a late equaliser in regular time before seizing control in extra time, nullifying a goal by Harvey Elliott.

Reflecting on the game, United manager Erik ten Hag acknowledged the intensity, stating, "The first 35 minutes I think was the best minutes from our season. We were really there, acting as a team. But then gaps in between the lines and you can’t allow this against Liverpool. Then they outplay you. We had to change. We went into the risk, we went into one against one, and the players were wonderful - the mentality, the attitude was so great."

Meanwhile, Klopp lamented Liverpool's missed opportunities, expressing, "At 2-1 up we had so many chances to kill the game. Last pass not right, or in a rush in some moments. The rest is already history, if you want."

The match commenced with a flurry of action, as United tested Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher early on. Despite an attempt from Dominik Szoboszlai, it was United who capitalised first, with McTominay breaking the deadlock 10 minutes into the game.

Liverpool fought back, with Wataru Endo's goal disallowed for offside. However, luck favoured them as Alexis Mac Allister's shot deflected off Kobbie Mainoo, levelling the score. Mohamed Salah then fired Liverpool ahead just before half-time.

Liverpool dominated the second half, creating numerous chances, but United's Antony equalised late in the game, forcing extra time. In a thrilling extra-time period, Elliott's deflected strike gave Liverpool the lead, but United's resilience shone through as Rashford and Diallo secured a memorable victory.

Despite Diallo's red card for removing his shirt in celebration, United advanced to face Coventry City in the semi-final. The other semi-final will witness an all-Premier League clash between Manchester City and Chelsea, promising more gripping football action.