Following Manchester United’s 1-3 defeat at the hands of their rivals Manchester City on Sunday, the Red Devils face another crisis. Helped by Marcus Rashford’s wonder strike, United’s first-half performance at the Etihad Stadium was bullish, but City’s second-half showing blew the visitors away with three unanswered goals. Phil Foden, in particular, produced an unstoppable performance for Pep Guardiola’s men.
The defeat has further dented Man Utd’s slight UEFA Champions League qualification hopes as well as the club’s potential chances of competing in other European competitions next season. As a result, Erik ten Hag will place increased emphasis on his squad’s FA Cup campaign as it remains the only trophy Man Utd can still win in 2023/24.
After a promising start to 2024, consecutive Premier League defeats, with a 1-2 loss to Fulham at Old Trafford preceding the Man City reversal, Man Utd’s next match against a hapless Everton takes on even more importance, not only from a result perspective but also as a confidence builder.
By the time Bruno Fernandez leads his team out to face an in-form and confident Liverpool at Old Trafford in their all-important FA Cup quarter-final on March 17, supporters and sports bettors alike will expect a more cohesive and positive showing from The Red Devils.
While sportsbooks listed on safebettingsites.com make Jurgen Klopp’s Reds the overwhelming 10/11 favourites for the clash, Man Utd’s home-ground advantage and the unpredictability of FA Cup ties mean the host’s 3/1 odds will encourage many punters to risk its underdog status with the bookies before or on match day.
Man Utd’s recent talisman, striker Rasmus Hojlund, will likely be fit for the FA Cup quarter-final, with his muscle injury responding well to treatment. England international Harry Maguire should be fit to join Raphael Varane in central defence, providing a welcome boost against a Liverpool side that welcomed back Darwin Nunez in time to score a last-gasp winner against Nottingham Forest last time out.
Man Utd defenders Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez will miss the mid-March encounter, with ten Hag hopeful to have Aaron Wan-Bissaka back to join Diego Dalot on the flanks and further bolster his defence against a Liverpool attack also likely to include star player Mohamed Salah.
The United boss will hence prepare to face a full-strength Reds attacking line-up, while defensive playmaker Trent Alexander-Arnold may also be available for the clash.
While the return of Hojlund should boost Man Utd’s chances substantially in the quarter-final, much will also depend on which Marcus Rashford turns up on the day. In the first half against Man City, Rashford’s pace occasionally troubled the hosts, and his long-range goal was from the top draw. Unfortunately, the forward’s impact faded as the game progressed, leading to a premature second-half substitution.
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