Amad Diallo’s goal in the 121st minute helped Manchester United defeat longtime rival Liverpool 4-3 in a thrilling match.
The 21-year-old said that playing for the Red Devils, where “every game is like a Champions League final,” is a “dream come true.” Now, Erik Ten Hag’s team will play Coventry City in the FA Cup semifinal the following month.
Living the “dream” at Manchester United, Amad Diallo called his dramatic winning goal against Liverpool a “very important moment” and the greatest of his career.
After a thrilling seven-goal thriller at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon, United surprised everyone and advanced to the FA Cup semi-finals.
The Red Devils took the lead through a strike from Scott McTominay, but favorites Liverpool responded with two goals in three minutes through Mo Salah and Alexis Mac Allister just before halftime.
After winning the Carabao Cup and chasing championships in the Premier League and Europa League, Jurgen Klopp’s team appeared quite at ease as they advanced toward Wembley, which was only one leg of a possible quadruple.
However, Antony pulled even to force extra time, when Harvey Elliott gave Liverpool the lead once more before Marcus Rashford tied the score at three and Diallo stole the win in the interval.
In the United half, Alejandro Garnacho sprinted down and gave it back to Diallo in a two-on-one scenario after the 21-year-old caught Elliott in possession. In the 121st minute, he made one touch to position himself on the outside of the field and another to slot it past Caoimhin Kelleher.
AN INCREDIBLE END TO ONE OF THE MOST INCREDIBLE DERBY GAMES YOU WILL HAVE EVER SEEN.
Step forward, Sir Amad Diallo ♥️@ManUtd have won it in extra-time with seconds to go!!!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/Avyx1vE857
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) March 17, 2024
The game culminated in a spectacular finale that will remain etched in fans’ memories, lifting off the remnants of the Old Trafford roof. The game-winning goal came from Diallo against a Liverpool club that had defeated United 4-0, 5-0, and 7-0 in the previous three seasons.
After receiving a second yellow card for pulling off his shirt during the celebrations, the Ivory Coast international was sent off, but not before reflecting on his incredible occasion and telling ITV, “What a game.” We earned this victory.
“Among the greatest games of the season was that one. That was a crucial moment. That was my career’s finest objective. You must always have faith in everything. It makes me really pleased.
“I am disappointed with the red card since I forgot the first yellow. However, defeating a formidable team like Liverpool is the most crucial goal.”
“I was at Sunderland [on loan] last season, and my dream was to play for Manchester United,” the former Atalanta forward continued to say to MUTV. That’s why I’m here, dreaming constantly. Every instant is similar to a dream.
“Every match is a Champions League final for United. Manchester United must win each and every game in order to defeat other teams. Playing as though it’s the Champions League final is therefore necessary if you want to win every game.
“I believe that today’s performance on the field by Manchester United is evident. We deserved to win, in my opinion.”
This season, Diallo has only participated in two Premier League and two FA Cup games. Last season, he scored 13 goals in 37 championship appearances.
Despite his current high profile, he is suspended for United’s next match, which is a March 30 trip to Brentford.
The FA Cup’s last four matches next month will see Erik Ten Hag’s team play Coventry City, a lower division team. Should they advance, the 2018 championship matchup against Chelsea or the season’s championship matchup against Manchester City will be replayed.
