Manchester United 3-2 Liverpool: Fernandes free-kick settles superb cup tie
January 24, 2021 19:20 MYT
Bruno Fernandes came off the bench to settle a thrilling FA Cup fourth-round encounter as Manchester United overcame Liverpool 3-2 at Old Trafford.
Mason Greenwood and Marcus Rashford turned the game in United's favour after Mohamed Salah had put Liverpool ahead in the 18th minute.
Salah's second of a pulsating contest levelled matters once more with Liverpool looking the more likely to prevail thereafter.
However, the introduction of talisman Fernandes proved a masterstroke as he arrowed a low free-kick into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area to set up a fifth-round tie with West Ham.
28 - Since his Man Utd debut in February 2020, Bruno Fernandes has scored more goals than any other player for Premier League clubs (28). Revelation. pic.twitter.com/Kyl0pU83EF
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 24, 2021
Greenwood provided Liverpool with an early warning as to his threat in the 10th minute when he forced Alisson into a near-post save after a long run down the right.
10 - Manchester United have eliminated Liverpool from the FA Cup proper for the 10th time; in the competition's history, only Liverpool themselves (12 v Everton) have knocked a particular side out more times (including finals). Bragging. pic.twitter.com/Uh1ByptM1J
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 24, 2021
What does it mean? - Old rivals enjoying contrasting fortunes
Two points clear at the top of the Premier League and into the fifth round of a competition they have won 12 times, United look excellently placed to lift their first trophy since 2017.
With Greenwood and Rashford in this sort of form and Fernandes continuing his remarkable goalscoring exploits – he is up to 28 since his debut in February last year – United will be extremely tough to stop.
For Liverpool, it is just one win in seven games in all competitions since their 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace suggested a second successive title was on the cards. A place in the top four may represent a limit of what they can achieve this season.
Firmino the fulcrum
Having failed to score in four of their previous five games, Liverpool can at least take solace in rediscovering their touch in front of goal. Their efforts in that regard owed much to Firmino, who got two assists from his four key passes and did not deserve to be on the losing side.
Alexander-Arnold below his best
Normally such a key factor in Liverpool's attacking play, Alexander-Arnold was largely missing in action on that front. He played one key pass but his passing accuracy of 66.7 per cent in the United half was the joint-worst on the team. None of his five open play crosses were categorised by Opta as 'good crosses'.
Key Opta facts
- Liverpool have won just one of their last 15 matches at Old Trafford in all competitions (D4 L10), and are winless in their previous eight at the ground (D4 L4).
What's next?
United will look to further strengthen their Premier League title challenge on Wednesday when they host Sheffield United. Thursday sees Liverpool visit Tottenham in a game that will be crucial for their top-four aspirations.