Liverpool's Quadruple Quest Dashed in FA Cup Quarterfinal Clash with Manchester United

Liverpool's dream of achieving a historic quadruple in Jürgen Klopp's last season as manager has come to an end. They suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 defeat in extra time against bitter rivals Manchester United in the thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal.

The match at Old Trafford in Manchester was a rollercoaster of emotions, with goals from Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford, and Amad Diallo securing the victory for United in a memorable FA Cup clash.

Liverpool, the current Carabao Cup champions, defeated Chelsea last month. In a recent match against United, Liverpool had two opportunities to win, but United managed to score a tying goal in the final minutes of regulation. They then scored twice in extra time, cancelling out a goal by Harvey Elliott.

After the game, United manager Erik ten Hag praised his team's performance in the first 35 minutes as the best of the season. He noted that they played well as a team during that time, but gaps between the lines allowed Liverpool to outplay them.

“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.”

United's Alejandro Garnacho controls the ball during the clash.

United's Alejandro Garnacho controls the ball during the clash.

Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Klopp expressed disappointment over his team's missed opportunities in the match, as he watched the victory slip away from them.

"After going 2-1 ahead, we had numerous opportunities to secure the win. Unfortunately, our final pass was not accurate, and at times we seemed hurried. The outcome of the match is now in the past," Klopp commented following the game.

We almost made it in both regular time and extra time, but unfortunately we ended up losing the game. It's okay though, I can't really ask for more than what we gave. This season has been really tough for us, with so many matches played. Today was especially challenging, very challenging.

The game started off at a fast pace, with United putting pressure on Liverpool's goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher early on. Despite Dominik Szoboszlai's attempt being stopped by United's goalkeeper Andre Onana within the first 10 minutes, it was the home team that seemed to have the advantage in the intense beginning.

United took advantage of their early pressure and scored the opening goal thanks to McTominay, who found the back of the net after Garnacho's shot was saved by Kelleher.

As the game progressed, Klopp's team started to pose a threat to United and looked for ways to equalize.

Wataru Endo believed he had scored in the 38th minute, but his goal was disallowed due to Mohamed Salah being slightly offside in the play.

Liverpool later managed to score a goal, with some luck on their side. Alexis Mac Allister, an Argentinean midfielder, received a pass from Darwin Núñez and took a shot towards the goal. The ball deflected off Kobbie Mainoo and went past Onana into the net.

Mac Allister celebrates his equalizer.

Mac Allister celebrates his equalizer.

Núñez was denied by Onana three minutes later before halftime. However, Salah seized the opportunity and scored, completing a quick turnaround just before halftime.

Liverpool maintained their strong performance in the second half, keeping up the fast pace of the game. Onana made two saves from Núñez, while Mac Allister's free kick went over the bar. Meanwhile, United's Antony, who came in as a substitute, missed a chance to score as they struggled to move forward.

The visiting side continued to pile on the pressure and had the chance to put the game beyond doubt in the 80th minute but squandered a five-on-two counter-attack.

Salah lashes home his team's second.

Salah lashes home his team's second.

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Liverpool dominated much of the game but missed several opportunities. In the 87th minute, United launched a counterattack that led to Antony scoring his second goal of the season, equalizing the game at 2-2.

Despite the setback, Liverpool almost regained the lead with Harvey Elliott hitting the post shortly after. On the other end, Marcus Rashford had a chance to secure the win for United in the final minute of regulation.

The extra time period saw both teams playing evenly, with Liverpool getting a stroke of luck when Elliott's long-range shot deflected off Eriksen's boot and found the bottom corner, delighting their fans.

However, in a game full of twists and turns, the lead was not secure, as United demonstrated in the second half of extra time. Rashford redeemed himself by scoring to equalize at 3-3, and Diallo led a counter-attack in the final moments, ultimately beating Kelleher to secure a thrilling victory for the Red Devils in a memorable FA Cup match.

United fans were treated to a win in a chaotic cup tie.

United fans were treated to a win in a chaotic cup tie.

Paul Ellis/AFP/Getty Images

Diallo received a second yellow card and was sent off after removing his shirt in celebration, but he will almost certainly be forgiven after his late-game heroics.

United will face Coventry City in the semifinal of the English Championship. The other semifinal will feature a match between Manchester City and Chelsea. Chelsea advanced by defeating Leicester City, while Manchester City overcame Newcastle United in their respective matches over the weekend.

Editor's P/S:

The FA Cup quarterfinal between Liverpool and Manchester United was a thrilling encounter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Liverpool's dream of a historic quadruple was shattered in extra time, as United emerged victorious with a 4-3 scoreline. Despite a strong performance from Liverpool, missed opportunities and defensive lapses proved costly. United's determination and resilience ultimately paid off, as they secured a memorable victory in a match that will be remembered for its drama and intensity.

The match showcased the attacking prowess of both teams, with goals coming from various sources. United's McTominay, Antony, Rashford, and Diallo found the back of the net, while Liverpool's Mac Allister, Salah, and Elliott also contributed to the scoring. The game was characterized by end-to-end action, with both teams creating numerous chances. However, it was United's ability to capitalize on their opportunities that proved decisive. Their clinical finishing and defensive resilience ultimately made the difference in a match that could have gone either way.