McTominay did well, holding off the Liverpool midfield. Antony picked the ball up, passed to Garnacho, got it back, spun and planted a neat weaker-foot shot in the corner. That’s only his second goal of the season, and the first was in the cup too – at Newport. Ten Hag rolls the dice, removing Varane, who’s been good as usual, and sending on the lesser-spotted Amad. Possibly not at centre-back.
Breaking after a United corner, Liverpool have a five-on-two. Five! Dalot does well to stick a toe in. Finally a United change in midfield: Mainoo off, to a big ovation; Christian Eriksen on. Those changes from Ten Hag did nothing to change the balance of power in midfield, which is still being ruled by Endo and Mac Allister, with a little help from the bustling energy of Elliott.
Bruno Fernandes is penalised for a foul on Szoboszlai, but it was 50-50. And the ref doesn’t reach for a card, which is lucky for Fernandes as he’s had one already. Rough justice, perhaps. He’ll probably get another one soon enough for dissent. Someone on the Liverpool left, Diaz I think, cuts in and shoots just wide. Then in the inside-right zone, Szoboszlai shoots and Onana turns it round the post. He has too much time, Lee Dixon reckons.
Manchester United goal: the long ball to Rashford that set up the move was a free kick, taken quickly by Fernandes as a few Liverpool players argued with the ref. Mac Allister goal: Quansah’s fine run was partly enabled by Rashford, who let him go dancing past. (Rashford has been shy of getting stuck in ever since Kieran Trippier gave him a back injury going for a 50-50, about two years ago now.) Salah goal: Fernandes fell on the ball on the United left, angling for a free kick that never came. He ended up with a yellow card, presumably for protesting too much. So Liverpool are well on the way to the 3-1 or 4-1 that always seemed to be on the cards here. But United have played well, apart from those fatal five minutes.
Amazing Goal From Marcus Rahford!
Rashford’s goal vs Liverpool #MUFC
— MUFC Scoop (@MUFCScoop) March 17, 2024