This pulsating FA Cup encounter between Manchester United vs Liverpool on MARCH 17, 2024 will be remembered for its thrilling twists and turns, dramatic comebacks, and a last-gasp winner that sent Old Trafford into a frenzy. The Red Devils emerged victorious with a scoreline of 4-3, showcasing immense character and resilience to overcome a two-goal deficit.
Early Lead for United, Liverpool Fightback Before Half-Time(Manchester United vs Liverpool)
Manchester United started the game on the front foot, grabbing an early lead in the 10th minute. A shot from Alejandro Garnacho forced a save from the Liverpool keeper, and the loose ball fortuitously fell for Scott McTominay, who tapped home from close range. Buoyed by the advantage, United continued to create chances but were unable to capitalize.
The tide turned towards the latter stages of the first half as Liverpool upped their tempo and dominated possession. Their persistence paid off in the 44th minute through a well-worked move. A surging run from new signing Quansah opened up the United defense, and his pinpoint cross found Darwin Nunez in the box. However, in a moment of surprising unselfishness, Nunez opted to square the ball to Alexis Mac Allister, who finished clinically into the bottom left corner.
Just two minutes into injury time, Liverpool doubled their lead. Nunez unleashed a powerful shot that the United keeper parried, but the rebound fell perfectly for Mohamed Salah, who coolly slotted the ball past the despairing goalkeeper to send the away fans into raptures going into half-time.
Second Half Fightback and Dramatic Extra-Time
The second half continued in a similar vein, with Liverpool controlling possession and creating opportunities. However, United remained resolute in defense and started to threaten on the counterattack. Substitute Antony proved to be a catalyst for the home side, injecting pace and creativity into their attacking play.
The tide turned again in the 87th minute when Antony played a clever ball out wide to Garnacho. The young winger cut inside and returned the favor. The Brazilian winger displayed exceptional skill to hold off two defenders before firing a low shot into the bottom right corner, sending the Old Trafford crowd into a frenzy.
With the score level at 2-2, the game entered a tense extra-time period. Liverpool took the lead again in the 105th minute after a deflected effort from Harvey Elliott found its way past the United goalkeeper. However, the Red Devils refused to be cowed. Just seven minutes later, a loose pass from Nunez presented United with a chance. Scott McTominay played a delightful through ball, releasing Rashford, who atoned for his earlier miss by firing a clinical finish into the net.
Diallo the Unlikely Hero in the Dying Seconds
Just when it seemed the game was destined for penalties, another twist emerged. In the dying seconds of the first half of extra time, Amad Diallo emerged as the unlikely hero. United launched a rapid counter-attack, with Garnacho sprinting down the left before squaring the ball to the young Ivorian. Diallo kept his composure and slotted the ball past the despairing Liverpool keeper, sending Old Trafford into a state of euphoria.
The final whistle blew moments later, confirming a remarkable 4-3 victory for Manchester United. This dramatic Manchester United vs Liverpool encounter will go down in FA Cup history for its captivating display of attacking prowess, defensive resilience, and ultimately, a thrilling comeback victory for the Red Devils.