Plymouth Argyle star Ryan Hardie has insisted he wants to face Manchester United in the next stage of the FA Cup after their fourth-round triumph over Liverpool.
Plymouth produced one of the biggest shocks in the history of the competition by beating Liverpool and dumping them out.
Hardie scored the only goal of the contest moments after the break, as he sent goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher the wrong way from the penalty spot. The Championship side were awarded the spot-kick after Harvey Elliott was judged to have handled the ball inside the box.
After the final whistle, the hero of the day, Hardie, spoke to the media [via The Mirror] and explained that he’s eager to come up against United in the fifth round.
He remarked, “I want Manchester United. Bring them here.”
“This day will be cemented in this club’s history, in this city’s history. It’s something we will never forget. When you start your career these are the days you dream of.”
The victory was extra sweet for Hardie, who missed an extra-time penalty at Chelsea three years ago to take a fourth-round tie to a shoot-out.
“I did think about the Chelsea penalty. I was thinking: ‘what happens if the same things happens again?’ But I wanted to take this one and get it off my back.”
“I’m more than happy with that. It’s a great day for the club and all the fans.”
Plymouth boss Miron Muslic also said that United are “more than welcome” to visit Home Park.
Asked who he wants in the next round, a jubilant Muslic answered, “I don’t care, anyone.”
When pressed further about the possibility of meeting Ruben Amorim’s men, he added with a smile, “They are more than welcome.”
The draw for the fifth round will take place on Monday night.
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
