Manchester United advanced to the FA Cup final against Manchester City after defeating Brighton on penalties on Sunday evening.
Victor Lindelof scored the game-winning penalty at Wembley Stadium, sending United to their 21st FA Cup final. Before Solly March stepped forward, the shootout’s first 12 penalty kicks had been scored.
March, despite a hot streak under Roberto De Zerbi, blew his penalty high into the stands, leaving Lindelof with one more convert to win the shootout that had devolved into sudden death.
Brighton started the stronger of the two teams in the club’s third FA Cup semi-final, controlling possession with a usually slick – and hazardous – method of playing out from the back developed this season under Roberto De Zerbi.
The Seagulls, on the other hand, struggled to convert their dominance into chances in the first half. Soon after the break, Paraguayan superstar Julio Enciso forced the first notable save from David de Gea, and Solly March was also denied.
Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes responded very bluntly, but Danny Welbeck squandered the game’s best chance, heading over from close range against his former club.
A goalless overtime period followed 90 scoreless minutes, but Robert Sanchez was finally forced to break a sweat. Marcus Rashford, United’s leading scorer, let fire from the edge of the box after a disappointing afternoon. A deflection gave the swerving effort an extra kick, but Sanchez managed to stretch out a paw to meet the ball in the 105th minute.
Manchester United have already won the League Cup at Wembley this season, defeating Newcastle in the final in February, and will meet city rivals in the FA Cup final. Pep Guardiola’s club is also aiming to become the first team since Manchester United in 1999 to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League in the same season, giving the Red Devils even more motivation to triumph on Saturday 3 June – though they don’t need any more cause to win.
