Manchester United Can Still Do Amazing Things, Says Erik Ten Hag

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag celebrates with Alejandro ... [+] Garnacho of Manchester United after the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has declared that his side’s dramatic win over Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday could revive their whole season.

United were minutes away from losing to their biggest rivals in both normal time and extra time, before late equalizers from Antony and then Marcus Rashford saved them, to allow Amad Diallo to score their winner in the tie’s final minute.

Defeat to Liverpool would have effectively ended United’s season, but now they have a trip to Wembley to look forward to for their semi-final, and could still finish a largely disappointing season by winning a trophy.

"Every team needs such moments in a season and we never had that moment,” said Ten Hag. “This could be that moment where the team can really get the belief and the energy so that they can do amazing things.

“And I think when you can beat Liverpool in the way we did and you can beat any opponent. So it's up to us to prove that point.”

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 17: Scott McTominay of Manchester United celebrates with teammate Andre ... [+] Onana after he Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

United began the game strongly, and went in front after 10 minutes through Scott McTominay, but despite their dominance failed to extend their lead and went in at half-time losing 2-1 after quick goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mo Salah.

“I thought the first 35 minutes was the best I have seen from my team this season. We played so well, in and out of possession. And then the last 10 minutes. And also after half-time, we dropped off a level, and you see Liverpool is a very good team.”

“And then they took over, but then, finally, we changed our style, the system especially, and from that moment on we took the initiative, and we believed in it, and we created chances, and we scored goals.”

The mentality of Ten Hag’s players has been constantly questioned after the course of this season, but the Dutchman believes this victory has firmly answered that.

“It was fantastic and the team showed the resilience and determination, to win this game. And we have had so many setbacks, so I’m really proud of the team. Not only in this game, but the whole season, we have so many setbacks, and they can deal with it. They are very strong, mentally, and it helps, of course, that the fans go behind us. But we energized the fans, they got behind us.”

Manchester United's Ivorian midfielder #16 Amad Diallo (L) scores the winning goal in extra-time ... [+] during the English FA Cup Quarter Final football match between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on March 17, 2024. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

"This season we have had so many setbacks and every time we have had to adapt. Yesterday, Jonny Evans dropped out at the last minute and then we have to bring in Aaron Wan-Bissaka who didn't play for four or five weeks and had only one or two training sessions. But we can deal better with such situations than we did in the autumn when it was difficult.

Before Manchester United face Coventry City in their FA Cup semi-final on the weekend of April 20-21, they will return to Premier League action and hope to climb into the top four to claim a place in next season’s Champions League.

“We are still fighting for places, for positions,” Ten Hag said. “At one time in the season you are far below that point and yes, it can be a turning point. We put the pressure on Aston Villa and on Spurs, with lost points.”

“We’re winning, from January onwards, but every game for us is a final. And we lost one final, against Fulham, when we can’t allow this, so we play our games our best if we want to achieve our goals. And that is; go into the Champions League and go for silverware.”