Following Manchester United’s exhilarating FA Cup quarter-final victory against Liverpool, Bruno Fernandes is rallying his team to utilize the intense match as motivation for a late-season surge.
In a captivating clash at Old Trafford, Erik ten Hag’s squad overturned deficits of 2-1 and 3-2 to triumph 4-3 in extra time against their bitter rivals.
The dramatic finale, culminating in Amad Diallo’s decisive goal, not only relieved pressure on under-fire manager Ten Hag but also kept United in contention for silverware amid a challenging season.
Reflecting on the significance of the win, United captain Fernandes emphasized the intensity of the encounter and its importance for fans craving a reason to celebrate amidst recent struggles.
“The game got a little bit spicy, a little more special because it’s an FA Cup game and if you lose, you’re out,” Fernandes remarked.
Looking ahead, United is set to face Championship side Coventry in the FA Cup semi-finals at Wembley in April.
Fernandes is eager for his teammates to capitalize on the momentum gained from the Liverpool triumph and translate it into a sustained winning streak, especially with 10 crucial league matches remaining.
“While we understand we don’t entirely control our fate in the league, recent results like Tottenham’s and Aston Villa’s setbacks demonstrate the unpredictability,” Fernandes noted.
“Our immediate focus is on securing a victory against Brentford after the international break.” Meanwhile, Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott sees the silver lining in their FA Cup elimination, believing it will provide the team with much-needed rest and the opportunity to channel their efforts towards other competitions.
Manager Jurgen Klopp admitted to observing physical fatigue in his players during their 46th game of a demanding season.
Elliott, who found the net in the Old Trafford defeat, expressed optimism about the chance to refocus, stating, “Now we can focus on other things, it frees up a few weeks for us.”
