The Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup) quarterfinals wrapped up on Sunday, March 17. The FA Cup is the oldest cup soccer competition in the world, marking its 143rd edition this year. While Manchester City is the defending champion, four teams now enter the semifinals to attempt to take home the title. One of these quarterfinal matches, in which Liverpool F.C. took on Manchester United, sparked controversy.
Manchester United beat Liverpool 4-3 in the last minute of extra time. Amad Diallo scored the winning goal, but he was given his second yellow card after his celebration, causing his removal. Diallo was given the penalty after removing his shirt in celebration of the goal. This was only the second goal of his Manchester United career, with his first in 2021 against AC Milan in the Europa League.
Captain Bruno Fernandes, an attacking midfielder for Manchester United, was up in arms about the decision and argued that the rule that sent Diallo off “has to change,” according to The Guardian.
“This moment has to be enjoyed and I think it’s one of the rules football has to change because you should be able to celebrate the goal, obviously with respect to other clubs, to enjoy your moment,” Fernandes said.
Fernandes also praised Diallo for his performance.
“He got his reward because he’s doing the right things,” Fernandes said. “He deserves it. Unfortunately, he got sent off, but it’s part of the moment and part of being young.”
Diallo also spoke about the big victory and controversial sending-off, per AP News.
“It’s the best goal of my life; it’s a really important moment,” Diallo said. “I am disappointed to be sent off, but what is important is to win. To beat Liverpool is a big, big moment for me.”
The game itself was full of excitement. In the tenth minute, Scott McTominay put United ahead after volleying one home from close range. However, Liverpool soon took the lead after Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah scored goals. After some missed opportunities by Liverpool, United was able to equalize the game in the 87th minute. Marcus Rashford then missed a major opportunity to get ahead, missing the last shot of normal time. Rashford was disappointed that he couldn’t take his chance but was relieved to come away with the victory.
As extra time began, Rashford failed to score after a one-on-one opportunity. Moments later, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliot scored, and Liverpool retook the lead. Rashford then was able to find the back of the net seven minutes into the second half of extra time, and a penalty shootout seemed to be likely until Diallo scored the winner for United.
United Manager Erik Ten Hag believes this will be a turning point for his squad, according to AP News.
“Every team needs its moment into a season and we never had that moment,” Ten Hag said recounting his team’s recent performances.
“This could be that moment where the team believes and [has] energy that we can do amazing things. I think when you can beat Liverpool the way we did, then you can beat any opponent.”
In the semifinals, championship side Coventry City will face twelve-time FA Cup champions Manchester United, and defending champion Manchester City will face Chelsea F.C. The matches are set to occur in late April.
Fernandes knows his team will be ready for the match at Wembley in just around one month’s time, according to The Guardian.
“We have to respect them, give them the respect they deserve and give our best performance, as we did against Liverpool and with the same mentality,” Fernandes said.
