Manchester United’s FA Cup quarter-final win over Liverpool shows that sometimes chaos can triumph over structure
ll Michael Edwards could do was smile in utter disbelief. Old Trafford was treated to an epic encounter of structure versus chaos, the command of Jürgen Klopp against the apparent wishful thinking of Erik ten Hag, and the chaotic dreamers prevailed. For the data specialists and marginal gains obsessives sitting in the directors box at Manchester United, Liverpool’s FA Cup elimination was a pertinent reminder of the game’s ability to enthral thanks to the uncontrollables.
After 90 minutes and 105 minutes the under-pressure United manager gave individual team talks while his Liverpool counterpart pulled his entire squad together and appealed for calm. It was United hearts and heads that were racing following Antony’s 87th‑minute equaliser and Marcus Rashford’s glaring miss with the final kick of normal time.
Legitimate questions remain about the quality of signings that United have made under Ten Hag but at Old Trafford on Sunday their character, resilience and determination could not be faulted. The final chance to win silverware in another troubled season was on the line. Perhaps the manager’s future, too. United gave everything for both.
Liverpool’s intelligence brought them control over the quarter-final. The visitors faced an onslaught for the first 15 minutes as United, benefiting from a clear week’s preparation in contrast to their opponents, produced the kind of intense, aggressive and confident display that Liverpool are programmed to deliver.
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