Manchester United’s first-team players and staff gathered for a team-bonding dinner in preparation for their upcoming FA Cup quarter-final showdown against Liverpool. The event took place at the upscale Ivy Asia restaurant in Manchester, where the players, including Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez, and Marcus Rashford, showcased their style alongside the likes of Erik ten Hag, Steve McLaren, and Darren Fletcher.

 

The dinner marks a crucial moment for Manchester United, as their clash with Liverpool represents their last chance to secure silverware this season. The outcome of the match could have significant implications for Erik ten Hag’s future as the manager, adding further importance to the game.

 

Currently sitting in sixth place in the Premier League, Manchester United faces an eight-point gap from fourth-placed Aston Villa, putting their Champions League aspirations in jeopardy. Following their recent 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, Ten Hag acknowledged the challenge of securing a top-four finish but remained optimistic, stating, “It can be an advantage that the fifth spot can also be a Champions League spot, so we have to go for it and win our games.”

 

This season has been a tumultuous one for Manchester United, starting with their disappointing finish at the bottom of their Champions League group and their elimination from the Carabao Cup by Newcastle. Despite these setbacks, United managed a positive result in their recent Premier League match, defeating Everton 2-0 at home.

 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently invested in the club, refrained from commenting on Ten Hag’s performance, deeming it inappropriate during his first media interview. As Manchester United gears up for their FA Cup clash against Liverpool, they can draw inspiration from their previous encounter, where they held the Merseyside club to a goalless draw in December. They will be aiming to replicate that resilient performance as they strive to secure a spot in the semi-finals at Wembley.

 

In contrast, Liverpool is enjoying a successful season, with the potential for a quadruple. They have already clinched the Carabao Cup, hold a commanding 5-1 lead over Sparta Prague in the Europa League last 16, and sit second in the Premier League, level on points with league leaders Arsenal.