UNITED BEAT BRIGHTON ON PENALTIES TO REACH FA CUP FINAL

Manchester United set up a first FA Cup final against Manchester City after beating Brighton in a tense penalty shootout at a rain-lashed Wembley Stadium.

In a match that finished goalless after extra time it fell to United defender Victor Lindelof to score the decisive spot-kick after Solly March sent his effort high over the bar.

The result means Erik ten Hag’s side have reached their second domestic final of the season, having won the Carabao Cup in February.

In a scrappy semi-final that fell short of expectations, both goalkeepers excelled with David de Gea making several fine saves and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez brilliantly turning away Marcus Rashford’s deflected effort in extra time.

March’s miss came after 12 successful penalties, before Lindelof stepped up to set up a mouth-watering all-Manchester encounter back at the national stadium on 3 June.

United battle through

United had to show reserves of stamina and resilience to come through against a fine Brighton side who went into this match as favourites in the eyes of many.

And in the aftermath of their embarrassing Europa League collapse against Sevilla, there was additional pressure on Ten Hag’s men.

It proved a stop-start affair with too many interruptions to allow any proper rhythm, although there were moments of excitement at either end before matters were settled from the spot.

United now have the opportunity to go toe-to-toe City in the final, an encounter both sides – and the city of Manchester – will relish.

It certainly adds extra sheen to this season for United, who are in a good position to secure a place in next season’s Champions League via the league and now have the chance to add a second piece of silverware against their arch-rivals at Wembley.

 

Kesh Awefada

Kesh Awefada

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