Amad was sent off seconds after scoring Manchester United’s winning goal against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday, and we observe Bruno Fernandes’ curious reaction after the red card.
Manchester United’s Dream Night
It was with great emotion that Manchester United won a place in the semi-finals of the FA Cup. Playing at home, the team took the lead but was beaten by Liverpool and had to win 4-3 in just the last minute of extra time.
Manchester United took better advantage of their chances in a balanced start to the game. The match started at an electrifying pace, with both teams creating a lot offensively. While Liverpool missed some good opportunities.
However, after United opened the scoring early with McTominay, Liverpool dominated the action and were rewarded in the final stretch of the first half. In the minutes following the goal, the visitors took control of the actions and started to create all the main chances.
In the 44th minute, Mac Allister received a pass from Núñez, facing the goal, hit hard to equalize. Three minutes later, Onana made a beautiful save from Darwin Núñez’s shot, but Salah turned the game around with the rebound.
Liverpool’s dominance continued at the beginning of the second half. Even away from home and winning, Klopp’s men continued to attack. Antony entered the game and Manchester United improved. Coach Erik Ten Hag changed the team to try to balance the actions, putting the striker on the field. The change worked and in the 42nd minute, he hit the corner and left everything the same again.
Emotions Running High
Both teams had a chance to win in normal time. After Antony’s goal, Elliott hit the post with a closed cross. In the last minute, Rashford came face to face with Kelleher, but knocked it out, ‘guaranteeing’ extra time.
Extra time was exciting, and Manchester United, commanded by captain Bruno Fernandes was superior. Elliott put Liverpool ahead, with a long-range shot deflected by Eriksen, but the home team was better in the match and proved it. In the second half, there was time for Rashford to score in a good collective play, and Diallo, to turn in the last minute, exploding the fans at Old Trafford.
Amad Diallo Savior
Amad struck the far corner with just seconds remaining in extra time. He celebrated by taking off his shirt in the heat of emotion after scoring in the last minute. However, he forgot that he had already received a yellow card for a previous foul.
The 21-year-old winger has struggled with injuries this season and was making just his fourth appearance of the season in all competitions. Fortunately for him, his sending-off will not prevent him from playing against Coventry City at Wembley next month.
Although he serves a one-match suspension for the red card, FA Cup rules state he will be suspended for the next domestic game. United’s next match will be against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday, March 30, while the semi-final will be on April 20 or 21.
Bruno Fernandes’ Curious Reaction
Rashford and Fernandes were called by the match broadcast to give the United dressing room’s immediate reaction to the match. And when informed of Amad’s expulsion, United fans watching the interview noticed the pair laughing.
Rashford added: “I’m happy for him. He’s been working hard this year. And he probably didn’t get the opportunities he wanted. Listen, if he wants to get more opportunities, then there’s no better way than nights like this.”
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Diallo himself admitted that he had forgotten that he received his first yellow card when celebrating his late goal. The 21-year-old insisted United deserved the victory after scoring the best goal of his career to date.
The reaction of the United fans who were present at the stadium was surprising. Seeing the concern on the fans’ faces giving way to the purest ecstasy reflects the need of these supporters.
This goal not only brings relief to his passionate followers but also to the entire team. The players themselves admitted that it was not the season they expected, but that this victory was one of the most important of the year.