MAN UNITED 1, LIVERPOOL 1
(Liverpool won 3-1 on aggregate)
Manchester United had hope in their heart for almost 45 minutes before Philippe Coutinho ended the prospect of pulling off a remarkable Europa League comeback against Liverpool at Old Trafford.
That was until the dying seconds of the opening period when the Brazilian inflicted the fatal blow with an equalising goal.
Until that moment United, ahead through an Anthony Martial penalty, had looked capable of wiping out the two-goal deficit from the opening leg of the last 16 tie.
Coutinho’s striker meant United needed to score three second-half goals to advance, something that highly unlikely to happen.
At least United went down fighting, though they lacked the quality needed to overcome Liverpool who went into the match in a position of strength and holding the ace cards.
United manager Louis van Gaal could not fault the endeavour of his players saying: “I am not angry, not frustrated, but proud of my players who gave everything.
“I am pleased the fans recognised it and applauded at the end, even though we are out of the Europa League. It was remarkable.”
Van Gaal listed the chances his side created with their only failing the inability to convert them into goals.
The Dutchman said the timing of Liverpool’s goal altered the mood in the changing rooms of both clubs at half time.
“We had to raise ourselves out of the disappointment and knew we would have to score three goals in the second half which was difficult,” he explained.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp was delighted to get through to the next round.
He said: “We knew United would show a reaction, and it was more intense than the first game.
“We deserved to be in the next round, but it was hard work.”
Klopp has no arguments with the penalty conceded, but described Coutinho’s goal a “genius moment”.
Juan Mata returned after suspension for Ander Herrera, the one change from the side that played West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday.
The atmosphere was electric in what was the first-ever meeting of these two great clubs in European football at Old Trafford.
It was a surprise bearing in mind they had won eight European Cups or Champions Leagues between them.
And though this was the second tier Europa League as opposed to the main competition, it was still a memorable occasion, though the quality of football was nowhere near that of the halcyon days of yesteryear.
United, needing to wipe out a two-goal deficit from the first leg at Anfield, began on the front foot without troubling the Liverpool defence.
Then just short of the 20-minute mark came two changes in quick succession as Jesse Lingard’s free header brought a fine save from Simon Mignolet. That was quickly followed by Mata pulling a shot disappointingly wide from eight yards.
Martial then cut in from the left and, having done the hard work, blazed well over.
United, forced to take risks, were vulnerable to counter attacks and just short of the half hour Liverpool almost snatched the lead when David De Gea made a brilliant save low to his left to keep out a goalbound shot from Coutinho.
United made the all-important breakthrough in the 32nd minute after Martial was bundled off the ball in the box by Nathaniel Clyne after Marcos Rojo’s interception enabled Mata to release the Frenchman.
The 20-year-old Martial kept his cool to fire home his 12th goal of the season.
Liverpool came within inches of equalising minutes later when Daniel Sturridge’s free kick from the right eluded De Gea but rattled the crossbar as United had an almighty let off.
United’s defence was split open again after an incisive passing move and Jordan Henderson, free in front of goal, blazed over from 12 yards.
Rojo ought to have added a second United goal two minutes before the break but shot wide from six yards after a great cut back by Marouane Fellaini.
Then on the stroke of half time came an equaliser from Liverpool, a goal that effectively sealed victory as United now needed to score four goals.
Coutinho raced away down the left, cut in and found the net with a cheeky near-post chip past De Gea.
United’s response at the break was to bring on Antonio Valencia, back after a near five-month injury lay off, in place of Guillermo Varela.
They continued to carve out chances as Marcus Rashford shot wide, Fellaini could only direct a header straight at Mignolet while a frustrated Martial blazed over.
United made their last two changes as Rojo and Michael Carrick were replaced by Matteo Darmian and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Liverpool almost went ahead on the night with 12 minutes left when Coutinho’s shot from the edge of the box was superbly turned over by De Gea.
United continued to press forward even though their fate had been sealed.
Valencia appealed for a penalty after his cross hit the arm of James Milner while Lingard shot wide when well placed.
But at the death, Liverpool substitute Divock Origi had two glorious chances to give Klopp’s side victory.
His initial effort went straight to De Gea who in stoppage time pulled off a decent stop low to his left to ensure parity remained on the night.