Manchester United's 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals answered many questions about Erik ten Hag's coaching ability. That is especially important on a day when Old Trafford is like an invincible fortress of the Sir Alex Ferguson era.
In a thrilling match with everything, substitute Amad Diallo scored in the last minute of extra time to bring victory to the "Red Sea".
On the other side of the front line, Jurgen Klopp will leave Liverpool at the end of the season. And this defeat means he will not be able to celebrate his comeback when saying goodbye to Anfield. Ten Hag has clearly found a way to turn a lost situation into a win by making bold substitutions. The tactician also ignored caution by playing the final minutes of extra time with Harry Maguire, Diogo Dalot and Bruno Fernandes forming a temporary back trio.
"Man United took a lot of risks - I fully respect that," Klopp said.
How many of them were random or calculated is still controversial, but at least Ten Hag affected the result of the match. His first-man change, replacing Rasmus Hojlund with Antony, brought benefits as the Brazilian winger equalized 2-2. This was only Antony's second goal of the season.
Ten Hag also gave opportunities to Christian Eriksen and Amad to replace Kobbie Mainoo and Raphael Varane. Although these are just desperate and temporary solutions for Ten Hag, the effectiveness is maximum.
Leading from the 10th minute thanks to Scott McTominay, the "Red Water" lost 2 consecutive goals at the end of the first half due to goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah.
At that time, an orange atmosphere engulfed Old Trafford. Man United have lost five times this season since scoring their first goal and are facing one of the strongest teams in the world.
Ten Hag said: "The first 30 minutes were the best time of our whole season. We played as a team, but then we had gaps between the lines and you can't let this happen against one of the strongest teams in Europe."
However, the "Red Water" were lucky when Liverpool dominated but missed many opportunities. In contrast, Antony's equalizer in the 87th minute gave Man United more vitality. The match should not have lasted until extra time if Marcus Rashford had not taped the ball out from close range.
When Harvey Elliott increased the score to 3-2 to restore Liverpool's lead in the 105th minute, Man United seemed to run out of energy and confidence. However, in a brief conversation at half-time, Ten Hag gathered his players to make a final push.
For a long time, Man United fans have called for Ten Hag to be bolder and accept more risks. And the former Ajax boss responded to that call against the club's biggest rival.
Rashford made up for his previous mistake by equalising in the 112th minute with a low shot past goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher. And Old Trafford seemed to explode after Amad scored an emotional closing goal in the match.
Ferguson celebrated enthusiastically in the director's area, like all other Man United fans on the pitch. The stadium has not seen such an atmosphere since Ferguson left the coaching position.
This was a special victory for Ten Hag. However, for Man United to truly return and for Ten Hag to survive with his job, the club must create its own success instead of just stopping the opponent...
