Manchester United advanced to the semi-finals of the FA Cup after a dramatic 4-3 extra-time victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Erik ten Hag will hope that his team can build more momentum after Sunday’s dramatic win over our rivals Liverpool. The question is can we use it as a turning point for our season?
The manager believes the 4-3 win can ignite United to finish the season strongly.
“Every team needs such moments in a season and we never had that moment,” Ten Hag told reporters, as quoted by The National. “This could be that moment where the team can really get the belief and the energy so that they can do amazing things.
“And I think when you can beat Liverpool in the way we did, you can beat any opponent. So it’s up to us to prove that point. I said it also on Friday, and today we did.”
It looked like elimination from the FA Cup was on the way when Liverpool held a 2-1 lead in regular time. Jurgen Klopp had Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah to thank as Liverpool went in at half-time with a 2-1 lead.
United did take the lead after 10 minutes when Scott McTominay found the back of the net.
Ten Hag opted to bring on Antony with three minutes remaining to force extra time.
Elimination was on the cards again when Harvey Elliott scored for Liverpool in the 105th minute, only for Marcus Rashford to equalise. The biggest moment of the game came in the dying seconds as Amad hit the back of the net with a strike in stoppage time.
That was enough to see United progress in the FA Cup.
“It was fantastic and the team showed the resilience and determination, to win this game,” Ten Hag added. “We have had so many setbacks, so I’m really proud of the team. Not only in this game, but the whole season, we have so many setbacks, and they can deal with it. They are very strong, mentally, and it helps, of course, that the fans go behind us. But we energised the fans, they got behind us.”
United are favourites to reach the final after drawing Championship side Coventry City in the semi-finals. The other semi-final will be contested by holders Man City and Chelsea.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
I must confess am also so proud of the team, to be a United fan & to beat Liverpool at a crucial time. The lads were all incredible. Keep the momentum!