Before Manchester United and Liverpool won their respective FA Cup ties on Wednesday night, they already knew who their quarter-final opponents were going to be if they progressed.
It’s a bit odd that the TV companies are now deciding to do the FA Cup draw before matches have been concluded, but that’s why part of football has become really stupid.
Nonetheless, it’s a small matter of English football’s biggest heavyweights – Manchester United and Liverpool – locking horns at Old Trafford next month after the Reds beat Southampton and their rivals saw off Nottingham Forest.
Roy Keane was asked for his reaction to the tie and he stated it’s a ‘great draw’, whilst also referring to their goalless draw in the Premier League at Anfield earlier on in the campaign, as he told ITV Sport.
The former captain stated that Erik ten Hag’s side ‘parked the bus’ on that day and walked away with a point and a clean sheet.
But the legendary figure did warn that they will have to be ‘more on the front foot’ in front of their own fans, as the under-fire Manchester United manager bids to win a much-needed trophy.
A lot of stories could be written here because, with Jurgen Klopp set to leave at the end of the season, the Liverpool fans are going to be desperate that he ends on a high.
Manchester United v Liverpool FA Cup draw
“Great draw,” responded Keane.
On Anfield draw earlier on in the season: “They parked the bus, didn’t they?! They got heavily criticised for it, so they might have to be more on the front foot at home.
“Big result for Man United tonight, they have Man City at the weekend, but a bit of confidence from beating Forest tonight. Big win.”
Erik ten Hag v Jurgen Klopp
With it looking likely that Man United won’t secure a top-four finish in May, and the changes going on in the Old Trafford boardroom, you feel ten Hag needs this trophy.
You can bet your bottom dollar that if he lifts the FA Cup, then he will still be Manchester United manager next season, this won’t be a case of Louis van Gaal 2.0.
But a certain Klopp wants to end on the highest of highs and leave the Liverpool stage with as many trophies as possible.
Someone here is going to spoil someone’s party and you feel that ten Hag is under more pressure because his team are in a much worse situation.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
