Erik ten Hag says Manchester United played some of their best football of the season as they defeated rivals Liverpool 4-3 in an FA Cup quarter-final classic at Old Trafford.
Substitute Amad Diallo scored a dramatic winner in the additional period of extra time to ensure United sealed their place in the semi-final.
Scott McTominay put United ahead in the 10th minute, but Liverpool quickly turned the tide with goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah just three minutes apart before half-time.
Antony had scored an equaliser in the 87th minute, forcing extra time to be played with the score at 2-2. Harvey Elliott’s deflected effort then put Jurgen Klopp’s side ahead before Marcus Rashford levelled the game once again with a cool finish.
Alejandro Garnacho then put Amad through on goal, and his effort squeezed past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher into the net to give United a crucial victory.
Ten Hag was delighted with his side’s performance, saying “we have a team that is for the future”.
He said to ITV Sport: “To go to the final we have to win against Coventry, we will have to play at our best. We saw that Coventry have great spirit, a great mentality. We will prepare our best to play in the final.
“The first 30 minutes was the best of our whole season, we were acting as a team but then we got gaps between the lines and you can’t allow this against one of the best teams in Europe. They outplayed us.
“Then we made changes, we took risks and the players were wonderful. The attitude was great, a strong belief to win this game.
“Rashford is resilient, he keeps going, normally he finishes those moments but he kept going for another chance. That inspired the other players.
“We have a team that is for the future. Coming up are players who are developing very well like (Amad) Diallo, (Alejandro) Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo.”
United will face Championship side Coventry City in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium.
GO DEEPER
The Briefing: Man United 4 Liverpool 3 – Amad seals incredible turnaround win
(Michael Regan/Getty Images)
