FA Cup: Man United progress after tense semi-final
Brighton & Hove Albion 0 - 0 Manchester United
United won 7-6 on penalties
Manchester United set up a final against Manchester City after beating Brighton in a dramatic penalty shootout.
In a match that finished goalless after extra time, United defender Victor Lindelof scored the decisive spot-kick after Solly March sent his effort high over the bar.
The result means Erik ten Hag's side has reached their second domestic final of the season.
In a scrappy semi-final, 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.
With Manchester City still battling for a Treble after beating Sheffield United 3-0 with a Riyad Mahrez hat-trick, the two Manchester sides have a huge game to look forward to. Whatever happens, it will likely be a match that people talk about for a long time.
FA Cup reaction as Man City progress to final (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
For Brighton, their fans and players will more than likely see this as a huge missed opportunity. Their priority will have to be qualifying for one form of European competition.
Reaction from Manchester United fans
Ahmad was in the Manchester United at Wembley, he added: "It was a very interesting match. I thought we defended really well at times. Well played to Luke Shaw who was playing out of position."
Liam is a Manchester United Season Ticket Holder. He wasn't in attendance but watched the match on TV: "We ground it out and the back four were all excellent. We need Casemiro and Christian Eriksen back on form as soon as possible.
Jake was full of praise for De Gea and the United defence. He added: "That was a far better performance, and De Gea stopped playing out from the back. The back four were also strong. There is a long way to go, but much better."
Peter added: "Bring on City in the final. I think we can beat them."
What are the Brighton fans saying?
The reaction from the Brighton fans was largely positive despite the disappointment of losing in such dramatic circumstances. This is what they had to say.
Robert was one of those many Brighton fans who was proud his side. He said: "That was a disappointing end to a great cup run, but I’m very proud of the team. After the nervous start, the best football was played by Brighton. Considering the lack of players with that big-game experience they all did great."
John Smith was in the Brighton end at Wembley. He added: "Brighton played brilliantly today, and we were unlucky not to win. On another day we would have won."
Phil added: "Now it's all about ending the season in a strong fashion. Get a few decent results and we might qualify for Europe next season!"
Let's have a look at the best social media posts and comments.
This is what the official Manchester United Twitter account posted after the match.
This is what it means ❤️#MUFC || #FACup pic.twitter.com/00eNS3g1DI
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) April 23, 2023
One United replied: "I am so happy that we managed to win. I love this club so much."
Lisandro Martinez has been intergral to his side's positive performances this season. Despite missing the match through an injury that he picked up against Sevilla in the Europa League, he was delighted with United's progress in the FA Cup. One fan replied: "I hope you can get better in time."
Hope you can get fit in time 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻
— Nick Newell (@_NickNewell_) April 23, 2023
This is what Brighton's Chief Executive Paul Barber said after the match
"The noise, the passion and the energy our fans brought to Wembley was unparalleled and unforgettable. I’ve seen many finals and semi-finals at the stadium, and the atmosphere you created was something really special. "
Read more here: Barber: Let's remain positive and go again (brightonandhovealbion.com)
"We’ve got a few big weeks ahead, your support will be so important." 🙏 A message to you all from chief executive, Paul Barber. 💬
— Brighton & Hove Albion (@OfficialBHAFC) April 24, 2023
Stuart Humphrey replied: "Football brings people together, and following the pain of yesterday, football will again make us stronger. Roberto and the boys continue to make us all proud. Here’s to the rest of the season and qualifying for Europe."
