When Manchester United's supporters march down Wembley Way next month, most of them will almost certainly still be reminiscing about the Amad goal that made it possible. The Ivorian stepped off the bench in Sunday's pulsating FA Cup quarter-final against
Liverpool with 85 minutes on the clock and ended up scoring the winner as the contest entered its 121st minute. It turned out to be the final act at the end of a momentous afternoon. After
Mohamed Salah had put Liverpool 2-1 ahead on the stroke of half-time and Harvey Elliott then restored their lead, making it 3-2 in the first half of extra-time, it looked as though United's hopes of winning silverware this season were over. But if this season has taught us anything about this team, it's that they rarely throw the towel in. READ MORE: I spotted what Alejandro Garnacho did after United goal vs Liverpool and it says a lot about the youngster READ MORE: United youngster Amad opens up on relationship with Erik ten Hag after Liverpool win Antony's first Old Trafford goal since February last year, which made it 2-2, clawed United level with 87 minutes on the clock, securing Erik ten Hag's side another 30 minutes to keep their FA Cup dream alive. The Brazilian's instinctive finish marked the 13th goal United have scored beyond the 80th minute in all competitions this season, excluding extra-time efforts. United, since the turn of the year, have developed a useful habit of scoring late on in games. Kobbie Mainoo scored a 97th-minute winner at Wolves on February 1, Scott McTominay headed in an 86th-minute winner at Villa Park just over a week later and Casemiro struck late against Nottingham Forest in the previous round of the FA Cup to set up the tie with Liverpool. Earlier in the season, too, United also fought to the very end to secure important victories, scoring twice through McTominay against Brentford in injury time to secure a 2-1 win at Old Trafford on October 7, before Bruno Fernandes sent the away end into pandemonium at Craven Cottage with a 94th-minute winner four weeks later. As a result, United are developing a reputation, just as they so often did under Sir Alex Ferguson, of striking late and being at the centre of drama. Though their performances over the course of 90 minutes, or in Sunday's case 120, are not as polished and complete as Ten Hag would probably like, they are, more often than not, finding a way to get the
Job done. Roy Keane had been fierce in his half-time analysis on Sunday after United shipped two late goals to go in at the interval behind. After the end of the match, he had changed his tune, saying: "The tactics have almost gone out the window, it was about character and personality. We haven't seen this from United, it was nice to see." That's where Keane is wrong. We have seen it plenty, recently. Following Marcus Rashford's and Amad's extra-time contributions, United have scored 15 times beyond the 80th minute this season in all competitions. Beyond the 90th minute, they have struck six times, though it is eight if you include their two extra-time efforts against Liverpool. Ultimately, United's willingness to keep going until the final whistle is highlighting the levels of belief and determination within the squad. Ten Hag, at various junctures, has often praised his side's character and mentality this season, meaning their heroics against Liverpool may not have come as that great a surprise to him. Erik ten Hag (right) has created a culture where his players refuse to admit defeat. (Image: Michael Regan/Getty Images.) United had to fight back from adversity in the games against Wolves and Aston Villa in February, not least in the clash with the former, yet they refused to roll over and accept anything less than three points. They kept pushing and got their rewards. It was a similar tale on Sunday, in the sense that after Elliott's strike in extra-time it would have been easy for United's players, who were already running on empty, to accept defeat and the end of their FA Cup adventure. However, just as they have done at various other junctures this term, they overcame a setback with flying colours. The character they are continuing to display squashes any suggestions Ten Hag has lost the dressing room. A lot of these players seem willing to run through a brick wall for the Dutchman. Prior to his arrival, player power dictated proceedings at Old Trafford, so much so it was not uncommon for United to surrender without so much as a fight. Not anymore. Having gone through a period where soft underbellies stuck out like a sore thumb, with United running away from adversity and setbacks at the first sign of trouble, they now appear to embrace a challenge, attacking them head on. Ten Hag, a firm disciplinarian, who constantly demands high standards, is now reaping the rewards of the mindset and mentality he has implemented. United may not be the perfect team to watch just yet, but their character, commitment and endeavour, certainly in recent weeks, cannot be questioned. Their character and resilience might just keep their season alive, both in the FA Cup and in the top four race.