Yet United's exit at half-time was soundtracked to cheers rather than jeers. They were louder within five minutes of the restart. And again in the 67th minute.
For the second month running at the Stretford End, the Reds levelled against Liverpool with something out of nothing. Jarell Quansah's careless pass, clipped in magnificently by Bruno Fernandes, transformed a non-event into a contest.
Kobbie Mainoo, majestic against Liverpool last month, was minutes away from the matchwinner with his first Old Trafford goal. Jurgen Klopp, impatient with his forwards at 1-0, let rip at 1-2.
Whatever Erik ten Hag's fate, he has reserved his best moments for games with Liverpool. Or rather, the players have. Ten Hag was on the cusp of a home hat-trick against Liverpool until Aaron WanBissaka overestimated the reach of his sliding tackle to upend Harvey Elliott. The Liverpool substitute, robbed of the ball for Amad's winner in the cup tie, goaded Wan-Bissaka.
United's followers sang 'Oh United, we love you' as full-time loomed. Antony had a presentable chance to win it, eerily from practically the same patch of grass Amad did in the quarter-final.
Elliott had a later chance and his volley was gathered cleanly by Andre Onana.
After the final whistle, the Stretford End sang about returning to Wembley.
United's league campaign feels a write-off, merely a question of which Europa competition they will compete in next season. Their season will not be judged by the FA Cup - but it is the focus of the matchgoers.
The Reds have one win in their past six league fixtures and remain marooned in sixth. Newcastle, likely their penultimate opponents in the rescheduled game at Old Trafford, lurk only two points behind.
Denne historien er fra April 08, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra April 08, 2024-utgaven av Manchester Evening News.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Ten Hag future remains in doubt as state-of-play meet comes to end
INEOS GATHERING IN LONDON CONCLUDES WITHOUT ANY STATEMENT
'The tribunal found that it was wrong. This is a big deal in competition law'
THE Premier League came unstuck against City in their opening submission of the hearing into Associated Party Transaction Rules.
Godfather of AI wins Nobel Prize for Physics
A BRITISH-CANADIAN computer scientist who has been dubbed the \"godfather of artificial intelligence\" has won this year's Nobel Prize for Physics.
Chancellor urged to quash ‘damaging' pension rumours
FTSE 250 savings and investment platform AJ Bell has joined the growing chorus urging Chancellor Rachel Reeves to back down from a proposed tax hit on UK pensioners, warning that rumours of the government's tax intentions are \"hugely damaging\" and are causing widespread concern long-term savings.
Red paint attack on office block
A PRO-PALESTINE group says it targeted an office block in Manchester city centre housing insurance firm Allianz.
Star 'in pain every day' in his fight with arthritis
ADAM Thomas has told fans how he's 'in pain every day' as he gave a candid update from his latest trip to the hospital.
I was in tears when the police returned my XL Bully
OWNER SAYS DOG WAS LEFT IN 'BAD STATE' AFTER BEING SEIZED
Student cop was 'bullied' claims dad
INQUEST TOLD TRAINEE HAD NIGHTMARES ABOUT BOSS 'TRYING TO STRANGLE HIM'
From Pretty Green to pretty vacant
PRETTY Green, the fashion brand founded by Liam Gallagher, has announced its flagship Manchester store has closed with immediate effect.
Dozens of 'late-stage' terror plots foiled since Arena bomb
THE security services have foiled 43 'late-stage' terror plots since March 2017 as new threats emerge from hostile nations such as Russia and China and a 'resurgent' Islamic State.
