Manchester United have reached their second domestic cup final of the season after beating Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final at Wembley.
The two sides could not be separated after 120 minutes and Erik ten Hag’s men kept their cool to score all seven of their penalties, with Brighton star Solly March missing the decisive spot-kick.
The Reds will now make their third trip to Wembley for the season at the start of June as they are set to face Manchester City in a mouthwatering finale.
David de Gea was one of United’s outstanding performers in regulation time, making stunning saves to keep Brighton at bay on some occasions.
Speaking after taking part in what turned out to be a highly turbulent shootout, the Spaniard delivered his verdict on proceedings and praised the quality of the penalties from both sides.
“It was a very tight game we played a very good team. Brighton play really good football. We are now in the final but we have another big game on Thursday so we need to go home and recover,” De Gea is quoted as saying by the BBC.
“They were great penalties. I was prepared as always. I tried to put pressure on the takers. There’s still a long way to the final but it will be a big game against one of the best teams in Europe and the world.
“We showed at home we can beat them [Man City] so let’s hope. We are on the right track. One trophy, another final and fighting for the top four. It’s not enough but it’s a big step from last season.”
SN’s verdict…
As De Gea points out, it’s yet another step in the right direction for Ten Hag and his men as they continue to develop under the Dutchman.
United have played every single game available to them so far this season and although it is starting to look like a long season is catching up with them, another cup final may be the boost that is needed.
Domestically, United have hardly put a foot wrong considering what the expectation was and what Ten Hag’s predecessors had achieved.