Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits Manchester United deserved to win their dramatic FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday.
The Reds’ quadruple dream came to an end at Old Trafford when the Red Devils struck deep into extra-time to win an epic clash 4-3.
United led early through Scott McTominay before Alexis Mac Allister and Mohamed Salah turned the game on its head before half-time.
Liverpool were wasteful in front of goal in the second half and United finally took advantage when Antony scored in the 87th minute.
Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp’s side played Man Utd in the FA Cup on Sunday
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Harvey Elliott put the visitors back in front in extra-time but United did not give up and equalised again through Rashford.
Amad then popped up with the winner in the 121st minute to send Old Trafford wild and Liverpool packing.
Klopp was full of pride for his team but admits they were not clinical, especially when they led 2-1.
The German told the BBC: “Super intense. United had a really good start in the game, we didn’t. We used the time and adapted well.
“We were outstanding but we had to finish the game off and we didn’t. If you’re only one goal up it’s clear you’re opponent is there.
“We lose it in the end. I cannot ask for more.
“The boys gave everything. Our decision-making was not great. You have to accept the result.
“They deserve to go to the next round. It was a period in the second half when we should have finished it but we didn’t and we know they could come back.
“I think my boys showed incredible character again. Super effort again. Everybody showed it.”
Liverpool played in the Europa League on Thursday while United had a full week to prepare for the match.
Klopp believes that made a difference once the game got to extra-time, adding: “You cannot compare our season to United’s with the amount of games. It’s fine, we deal with it.
“Now, the boys go on international duty. We hope they come back healthy. Lucho [Luis Diaz] felt his groin, Darwin [Nunez] hamstring. Cody [Gakpo] twisted his ankle.
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Liverpool news: Jurgen Klopp admitted Man Utd deserved to win the match
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“They play again in four or five days, it’s crazy.”
Liverpool have already won the Carabao Cup and are the favourites to win the Europa League.
They are also well-placed to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title in the remaining months of the season.
Klopp is still hoping to go out on a high, concluding: “Hopefully we will finish the season in style.
Liverpool news: Man Utd won a dramatic FA Cup quarter-final in extra-time
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“I really feel for our people. In a few weeks we come again and we give it another try.
“How could I doubt the character of my boys? I don’t. We use the situation and it’s game over.
“We didn’t use it and they ran through. I’m still proud of what I saw today. The boys have to recover and we will go for everything after the international break.”
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