Reds throw another spanner in Klopp finale

ONE-NIL down, 15 shots faced and no shot at the Liverpool goal.

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

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.