Manchester United secured their spot in the FA Cup final after beating Brighton in a tense semi-final match. The teams initially went goalless in regulation time, forcing the game to go into extra time. Despite Brighton’s attempts to score, United held on with great defensive work from players such as Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw (Manchester Evening News).
The game ultimately went to a penalty shootout after David De Gea’s save earlier in extra time (The Athletic). Each team converted their first six penalties, but Brighton’s Solly March missed his spot-kick, allowing United’s Scott McTominay to score and seal a 7-6 victory in the shootout (The Telegraph).
While United fans are no doubt pleased with the result, some, including the Mirror, have criticized what they call a “ludicrous” decision by the FA to have a Manchester derby in the final, with a mere six weeks between the two teams playing at Wembley.
Despite their recent struggles, United showed great fortitude in this match as they look to close out the season on a high note. The Independent notes that this game was yet another example of the “defiance” that has helped keep United going, even when they’re down.
Brighton, on the other hand, will undoubtedly feel a sense of disappointment after coming so close to reaching their first FA Cup final in the club’s history (Premier League News, Video, Scores | NBC Sports’ ProSoccerTalk).
All eyes are now on the upcoming Manchester derby in the final, which, according to the BBC, is set to take place on June 18th, 2023.
