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17th March 2024
02:03am GMT
Even Jurgen Klopp was able to appreciate the brilliance of Kobbie Mainoo in Manchester United's win over Liverpool.
The Liverpool manager applauded the Manchester United youngster when he was substituted in the 80th minute of the game, and subsequently gave him a high-five.
Erik ten Hag, meanwhile praised his star (18) but wasn't taken with the notion of comparisons with legendary Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf.
"I think never ever compare players with another player.
"Never. Because Kobbie Mainoo, but also other players, they build their own identity.
"Don't compare with anyone. His skillset, that is so typical. And it's so Kobbie Mainoo, it's nothing to do with other players.
"Of course, he can learn from other players, especially from great players as Clarence Seedorf was. But Kobbie Mainoo is Kobbie Mainoo. He has big potential and I'm quite sure he will have a big career."
Amad Diallo revealed he was fasting during Man United's stunning 4-3 win over Liverpool in the FA Cup.
The Ivorian scored a dramatic winner in the final minute of extra time to send the Red Devils through to the semi finals.
And after the game, he was asked how difficult it was playing in a game like that whilst also fasting for Ramadan.
He replied: "It's not easy, not easy when you're fasting, but you need to believe in you. I'm fasting for God so I'm very happy to fast.
"I want to fight for the team if I am on the pitch, so thanks God for this moment."
Having been booked for tripping Virgil van Dijk and holding up play in the 116th minute, the Ivorian winger was then shown a second yellow for his goal celebrations, when he took off his shirt. ,
Manchester United fans will be glad to know, however that Diallo will not miss their upcoming FA Cup semi-final against Coventry despite some initial confusion.
Recently introduced rules in English football have it that certain suspensions apply to the competition they are accrued in, with Enzo Fernandez for example, banned from Chelsea's win over Leicester for multiple FA Cup bookings.
These rules only apply to bans for multiple yellow cards, however.
Therefore, Amad will serve his one-game ban in United’s next domestic match in the Premier League game with Brentford on March 30.
One of the oldest football rivalries will take place on Sunday as Man United and Liverpool battle it out for a place at Wembley.
The two meet in the FA Cup quarter finals at Old Trafford knowing that a win will secure their place in the semi-finals.
You can follow the game live in our hub above, where we will have updates, live reactions, and player ratings. Just click on the key point you want to read about or keep scrolling for updates.
Jurgen Klopp is going in search of another trophy to add to his cabinet in his final season with the Merseyside club after already securing the Carabao Cup. Klopp and co are also going in search of a historic quadruple as they remain in the hunt for the Premier League and Europa League.
Erik ten Hag meanwhile is in desperate need of silverware to restore an otherwise sub-par season as the Red Devils remain some distance off qualifying for a Champions League spot. The Dutchman has some good news, as Rasmus Hojlund, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are all set to be available for selection.
Liverpool should be able to select Mo Salah from the start, if required, but Ibrahima Konate is a doubt. On United, Klopp told reporters, "I don't know much about their season but I saw some really good games."
"[Having key players fit again] obviously makes a difference as well, we will see on Sunday. It was always a tough place to go for us, it means everything to both fan groups, we know that."
Both teams are among some of the most successful clubs throughout the FA Cup’s history. United have won the competition 12 times whereas Liverpool have lifted the trophy on eight separate occasions.
Kick off will take place at 3:30pm at Old Trafford on Sunday 17 March.
This is after an agreement between the broadcasters and Manchester Police, who wanted an earlier kick off time in the interest of fan safety.
"Some games are bigger than others," said Erik Ten Hag. "Man United Liverpool is definitely big, especially when it's the quarter-final of the FA Cup. We're looking forward. It's a special game, absolutely."
The game will be shown live in the UK and Ireland on ITV1.
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