FA Cup's habit of defining United eras

AT his introduction to the English press Erik ten Hag said, "An era can come to an end."

- SAMUEL LUCKHURST

That quote has endured now he has played his part in ending Jurgen Klopp's era.

United ejected Liverpool from the FA Cup in scenes reminiscent of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's Scousebusting a quarter of a century earlier.

The Premier League draw at Old Trafford three weeks later would have felt like a defeat for Klopp.

The cup tie has heralded a collapse from Liverpool, beaten twice at Anfield by Atalanta and Crystal Palace last week and now out of the Europa League.

Liverpool followers had grand plans of crossing the Irish Sea for the Europa League final but must brace themselves for a sea change.

On the day Klopp sent Liverpool supporters into mourning, the BBC invited a fan on for their commemorative show. One could have been mistaken for thinking they were tuned into Radio City.

"What we've got now is a four-month adventure with the greatest man and the greatest manager we could dream of," gushed a Scouser.

"This is the biggest football club in the world and that's the reason BBC is talking about this tonight.

"This city is football, loves football and why Jurgen Klopp has done so well here is because he - we-understand what that is about. It is the heart of Liverpool's cultural life; Jurgen Klopp is the heart of Liverpool's cultural life.