Liverpool progressed to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Europa League after a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford, thanks to a wondrous goal from Brazilian attacking midfielder Philippe Coutinho at the stroke of half time.
Manchester United always faced an uphill task as they attempted to overturn their 2-0 first-leg deficit against Liverpool, but an Anthony Martial penalty gave the Old Trafford faithful hopes of a comeback.
However, Liverpool’s No.10 silenced the home crowd with one of the best goals of the UEFA Europa League season thus far. Picking up the ball on the left, Coutinho danced past a hapless Guillermo Varela, before nonchalantly chipping the ball into the back of the net from an improbable angle.
With the Red Devils’ European adventure now over, supporters focussed their ire once more on manager Louis van Gaal, as it becomes even more difficult to earn a place in the Champions League next season.
Here are the best tweets from the deciding leg of the first ever European tie between the two English giants:
That’s Messi-esque from Coutinho. Stunning.
— Sam Tighe (@stighefootball) March 17, 2016
Not only was Coutinho’s goal akin to something Messi would produce, it also rendered the best ‘keeper in the world helpless. Special. #LFC
— Danny Gallagher (@Danny7Gallagher) March 17, 2016
If Messi did what Coutinho just did the world would explode. Coutinho is a magician. Best number 10 in the league.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) March 17, 2016
Coutinho definitely saw that Messi goal last night and thought he’s gotta do for the Samba ??
— ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ (@Loso_LFC) March 17, 2016
Messi scores that and we’d be waxing lyrical. What a delightful, world-class finish from Coutinho
— John Gillespie (@Times_Sport) March 17, 2016
We don’t need Messi.
We’ve got Coutinho.
— – (@AnfieldRd96) March 17, 2016
Messi can chip. COUTINHO can chip!
— Viktor Fagerström (@ViktorFagerLFC) March 17, 2016
SACK VAN GAAL PLEASE!!!! @ManUtd
— Rais Azka (@RaizAzka) March 18, 2016
Is this part of the philosophy? #MUFC https://t.co/AkPzDxsGCf
— Everything Man Utd (@everything_utd) March 17, 2016
The wonderful characteristic of Louis van Gaal is, is his ability of making the opposing team look brilliant #LVGout #ManU The Glory is gone
— Jonathan Levin (@Gawiesnr) March 18, 2016
Louis van Gaal has surpassed the deluded Rodgers easily. Worst part is that his delusion is rubbing off on the players.
— Mukund’ (@FergusonTime) March 18, 2016
Van Gaal said he was “proud” tonight and that Man Utd “played like Liverpool did in the first game.” The man’s bewildering, to say the least
— Daniel Taylor (@DTguardian) March 18, 2016
Van Gaal should resign out of embarrassment & respect for himself & this football club.
— Pilib de Brún (@Malachians) March 18, 2016
“Where does this leave Louis Van Gaal?”
On Jobseekers, I’d imagine.
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) March 17, 2016
@ManUtd IF YOU DON’T SACK VAN GAAL I WILL FREEZE MY CAT AND THEN I WILL EAT IT. pic.twitter.com/dPD6nqCPXQ
— #BELIEVE (@Cholista__) March 17, 2016
Van Gaal’s subs in this game are legitimately a sackable offence
— Paul (@UtdRantcast) March 17, 2016