OPINION Jurgen Klopp made major mistake as Liverpool left with nothing but regrets after Man Utd defeat

OPINION Jurgen Klopp made major mistake as Liverpool left with nothing but regrets after Man Utd defeat

Liverpool had Manchester United right where they wanted them but let them off the hook in a dramatic FA Cup defeat

Jurgen Klopp looks dejected after defeat to Manchester United during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final between Manchester United and Liverpool FC at Old Trafford on March 17, 2024 (Image: Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

The Old Trafford cup curse clearly remains strong for Liverpool.

But for all the talk of omens and portents meaning the weight of history was always against the Reds earning victory here – it would have been a first away triumph in knockout competitions against Manchester United in more than a century – it isn’t the past that has ended hopes of a quadruple.

Instead, this was an FA Cup quarter-final exit almost entirely of Liverpool’s own making. Several times Jurgen Klopp’s side had this game won only to offer United an invitation to force their way back into the tie, making it far more excited than it ever should have been.

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Sure, there was a dire opening quarter in which the visitors were strangely caught unawares by United going at them from the first whistle. But having gone in at half-time 2-1 ahead, for a good half-hour in the second-half Liverpool’s dominance underlined the yawning chasm of quality between the two teams that has been apparent in the Premier League this season.

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However, whether through lack of care with some finishing, good goalkeeping by Andre Onana or, dare it be said, a touch of complacency, the third goal didn’t come.

That’s when Klopp’s substitutions largely sent Liverpool backwards rather than forwards. Cody Gakpo was nowhere near as effective as Mohamed Salah, Conor Bradley had a tough time up against Alejandro Garnacho, and while Harvey Elliott could point to scoring the third he lost the ball that led to United’s late winner.

And the manner in which some Liverpool players tired dramatically during extra time will no doubt lead to fingers being pointed at the minutes totted up by some in the Europa League stroll against Sparta Prague on Thursday. United’s ineffectiveness in Europe this season meant they had a full week to prepare and ultimately it showed.

Indeed, this was, as Klopp later admitted, one game too far for a squad that, while beset with injuries – there was no Ibrahima Konate for this one – had somehow managed to keep challenging on four fronts.

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Of course, for Liverpool supporters of a certain vintage, there was nothing new in losing an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford in the last minute having led for large periods of the game. The memories of 1999 have long lingered.

But while they couldn’t really have many complaints that day, this time the overriding emotion from Liverpool as they made the short journey down the M62 will not have been disappointment but regret.

This should not have happened – even if history indicated it was a distinct possibility. There will be no more Wembley appearances for Klopp as Liverpool manager.

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