Manchester United produced a lackluster display at London’s Wembley Stadium to edge Brighton and Hove Albion on penalties in the semi-final to progress to the final of the 2023 English FA Cup.
The match was settled on penalties after one hundred and twenty minutes of action that produce no goal as Swedish defender Victor Lindelof scored the last kick to send the Red Devils to next month’s final against Machester City in Wembley.
Brighton and Hove Albion have been impressive since the appointment of Italian manager Roberto De Zerbi who replaced Graham Potter early in the season, with his Seagull side at this stage of the season still fighting for European qualification.
The first 45 minutes were a cagey affair as both goalkeepers came to the rescue on several occasions with David de Gea and Brighton’s Robert Sanchez making several saves to keep the score goalless at halftime.
The match opened up in the second half but neither team was able to get the needed breakthrough goal before Robert Sanchez’s brilliant save from Rashford’s deflected shot in extra time ensure the contest went into penalties.
Solly March missed his penalty kick after 12 successful attempts from both sides before Victor Lindelof kept his cool to score the winning penalty kick.
The final of the 2023 FA Cup will now be played on the 3rd of June between two city rivals after Manchester City had earlier on Saturday beat Sheffield United 3-0 in the other semifinal.
