Manchester United fans on social media have spotted a spooky detail in Kobbie Mainoo’s goal against Liverpool.
Just three weeks after Erik ten Hag’s men emerged from a seven-goal FA Cup thriller victorious, United and Liverpool played out another sensational contest at Old Trafford, drawing 2-2.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring for Liverpool in a one-sided first half that saw the Anfield club have 16 shots to United's zero. However, early in the second half Bruno Fernandes pounced on Jarell Quansah's poor pass before levelling brilliantly from distance.
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United then took the lead courtesy of 18-year-old wonderkid Mainoo who, on the turn, curled a beautiful finish into the top corner.
The game took one final twist when Mohamed Salah scored a late goal from the spot after Aaron Wan-Bissaka fouled Harvey Elliott in the box.
Among the many talking points after the game, one fan on social media highlighted how similar Mainoo’s goal was to Federico Macheda’s debut strike against Aston Villa in 2009.
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Macheda’s goal, which was from a similar position to Mainoo’s and took a similar trajectory into the top corner, also featured the very same BETFRED advert on the advertising board in the background.
In response to the quirk, one person said: “The Betfred Ad is a good omen”.
Another added: “That is incredible”. A third said: “Hopefully not the same future tho.”
After the game, United boss Erik ten Hag spoke of his mixed feelings regarding his side’s performance and result.
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"There are very mixed emotions,” The Dutchman told Sky Sports. “On one side, very disappointed.
“We gave away a certain win by making a not-very-clever mistake, like on Thursday, like last Saturday. So, we lose seven points in one week, when we should have nine points, which makes a huge difference.
"On the other side, I am so proud of this team. We are so young. To give this performance, to give this level, shows the future for Man Utd is very bright."
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On what pleased him in particular, Ten Hag said: "The resilience and the quality. The way we played in and out of possession, how we organised it, the way we played together. Then the resilience was also necessary.
"In the first half, we did not win the decisive duels. We were hammered, we were bullied. Our young players were sometimes even overwhelmed.
"But in the second half, they stepped up. And then you saw the improvement, the belief. They were convinced to get a win."
Asked what he told his players at half-time: "I said, 'Come on guys, we are too good for it.' You have to act as a top footballer and to go with conviction in the duel, and the strong belief that you will win and that makes a difference."
Featured Image Credit: Sky SportsTopics: Manchester United, Liverpool, FA Cup, Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Erik Ten Hag
