Erik ten Hag calls on supporters to make a difference vs Liverpool

Erik ten Hag has urged the Old Trafford faithful to create a twelfth-man effect on Sunday when the Reds welcome fierce rivals Liverpool to the Theatre of Dreams.

United have fallen behind in the race to qualify for next season’s Champions League but they could still end the season with some silverware, with Jurgen Klopp’s men standing in the way of another trip to Wembley.

Both sides go into the game with numerous injury concerns but the hosts will be happy to have Rasmus Hojlund back in the squad, with the Danish star set to start the game.

Hojlund scored in six straight Premier League games before sustaining an untimely injury. The 21-year-old will be hoping to continue that run on Sunday.

Speaking before the game, Ten Hag urged supporters to create a special atmosphere and stressed the significance of a raucous Old Trafford.

“Just as we need our players on top form,” Ten Hag is quoted as saying by the official Manchester United website, “The same is true of our fans. The challenge to you is to help us make the most of our home advantage in the last cup game to be played at Old Trafford this season. 

“Cup games are do-or-die and we need the players and fans to give energy to each other, if we are to progress to the semi-finals. The prizes on offer today are huge: a return to Wembley, a step closer to a major trophy and a win over our biggest rivals. To achieve those goals, everybody inside Old Trafford has a part to play, working as one big team. Together, we are a formidable force.

“We also had incredible support from the stands when we beat Liverpool at Old Trafford last season and we know, from that experience and other big games, what a difference the fans can make when we really bring the noise.”

Victory over Liverpool would mean passage to the semi-final and as things stand, the season could end with a repeat of last year’s final as Manchester City face Newcastle United in their quarter-final.