Manchester United and Chelsea win all-time classic Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals

Sunday 17 Mar 2024
Matchwinner Amad Diallo was making his fourth appearance of the season

Manchester United and Chelsea breathed new life into their seasons with victories in all-time classic Emirates FA Cup quarter-finals.

21-year-old Ivorian Amad Diallo was the toast of Old Trafford as he struck in the 121st minute to hand Manchester United an exhilarating 4-3 win over Liverpool. 

And two young English players came to Chelsea’s rescue as late goals from Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke saw them hold off Leicester City 4-2.

The Old Trafford tie got off to a frantic start but United hit the front when Alejandro Garnacho’s effort was parried by Caoimhin Kelleher straight into the path of Scott McTominay, who turned home from point blank range.

Liverpool offered a strong riposte as Wataru Endo swept the ball into the back of the net, only to see it ruled out for offside. They pulled level moments later, however, when Alexis Mac Allister’s low drive nestled in the bottom corner. 

The visitors completed the turnaround within minutes as Mo Salah lashed home after Darwin Nunez’ curling effort was saved by Andre Onana. 

Liverpool had countless chances to score in an end-to-end second half but it was United who struck late, Antony turning and beating Kelleher with a low effort to force extra time.

Harvey Elliott looked to have booked Jurgen Klopp’s Carabao Cup winners in for an instant return to Wembley when his long-range effort ricocheted off Christian Eriksen and in.

But Marcus Rashford, who passed up a gilt-edged opportunity with the last kick of normal time, rewrote the script by sweeping home a leveller at 3-3 with 112 minutes on the clock.

Just when penalties appeared imminent, Diallo lifted the roof off Old Trafford with a tidy finish after being teed up by Garnacho on a swift counter attack.

Earlier, Chelsea reached the Emirates FA Cup semi-finals for the fourth time in five years but were given an almighty fright in a 4-2 win over 2021 winners Leicester City. 

The home side looked to be cruising into the last four when Marc Cucurella tapped home an opener and despite Raheem Sterling’s penalty miss midway through the half, in-form Cole Palmer made it two on the stroke of half-time. 

But defender Axel Disasi scored a calamitous long-range own goal shortly after the resumption and Stephy Mavididi curled home an equaliser to spark hope of an upset for the Championship side.

The turning point in the tie came on 73 minutes when Leicester’s Callum Doyle was given his marching orders after bringing down Nicolas Jackson when the striker was through on goal.

Enzo Maresca’s ten men were unable to weather the subsequent storm as Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke struck in injury time to see the Blues through. 

By FA Staff