Man United produced arguably their best performance of the 2023/24 season in their 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.
The Red Devils showcased incredible character and resiliency, coming back from the jaws of defeat twice to clinch the win. Scott McTominay, Antony, Marcus Rashford and Amad Diallo all got among the goals.
It was a chaotic, end-to-end game that is rarely seen among top teams any more. However, there were some interesting takeaways learnt from the result.
More work needed on finishing chances
Despite scoring four goals in this crazy game, a Man United fan can’t be blamed for expecting many more: Rashford alone missed a few big chances.
The Red Devils had 28 shot attempts, 11 on target, but the conversion rate must go up to have a chance to make it a happy end to this shaky season.
Antony's best role discovered?
Antony was a surprising hero despite struggling for the majority of the campaign. He scored an amazing late goal to force extra time and constantly troubled the visitors with his shots. He also worked hard defensively winning five duels.
At this moment, Antony’s best role seems to be as this kind of an impact substitute. He’ll need to be more consistent to remove either Rashford or Alejandro Garnacho from the starting lineup, but Antony’s high energy levels, ability to torment tired defenders and shooting prowess make him an able substitute when Man United need goals.
A new centre-back is the need of the hour
Man United’s defensive work didn’t really shine through as the Red Devils ended up conceding three times. The defensive pairing of Victor Lindelof and Raphael Varane didn’t look the most comfortable either, making little errors and failing to stamp their authority.
Harry Maguire actually put in a solid display and while Lisandro Martinez nears a return too, this performance showed the need for a new reliable and commanding centre-back. Man United need a fearless, quick and dependable defender who can bully top-level strikers and help the Red Devils push back imposing attacking forces in such major games.
Man United have been linked with a few defenders as of late. This includes Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite, who recently received an England call-up after keeping strikers like Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak and Nicolas Jackson quiet in big Premier League games. He could be one to court for the future.
Rasmus Hojlund needs a solid backup
Rasmus Hojlund didn’t really have the most eventful return to action and had to be taken off in the second half for precautionary measures. However, not having an out-and-out striker as his alternative can potentially hurt Man United going forward (as it has a few times already this season).
Anthony Martial is on his way out after his contract expires in June. Marcus Rashford works best as a left winger and Alejandro Garnacho is ideal working through the wide areas too.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s confidantes should look for a potential cut-price deal to sign a new striker in the summer who can potentially add 10-15 goals to Man United going forward.
Erik ten Hag deserves more time
Ten Hag got most of his tactics spot on. He ensured that Man United took the fight to Liverpool and kept pushing at them to force them into losing their cool. He also got his substitutions right as Antony and Amad Diallo both ended up scoring.
The way Ten Hag managed his players and motivated them despite having a string of injury issues plaguing the squad proves that he deserves more time to properly implement his philosophy.
For Erik ten Hag, this result could be akin to how Sir Alex Ferguson’s job as Man United manager was saved in 1990 thanks to the win over Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final. While this wasn’t the finale itself, it definitely felt as good as winning a trophy.
Dernières actus
