23rd April, 2023
By Kazeem Ugbodaga
Manchester United have set up an FA Cup final clash with their neighbour, Manchester City after beating Brighton 6-5 on penalties in the second semi-final on Sunday.
After a goalless encounter throughout the duration and on extra-time, a shootout became paramount to decide which team will meet City in the final.
United players converted all six kicks while Brighton lost one kick and they are out of the FA Cup.
United will play City at Wembley on Saturday, 3 June for the trophy.
Brighton dominated possession throughout the encounter, with 61 percent to United’s 39 percent. Both sides had 15 attempts on goal, while United had six shots on target and Brighton, five shots on target.
For only a third time in the club’s history, United have reached the final of both the League Cup and FA Cup in the same season, also doing so in 1982-83 and 1993-94.
United goalkeeper De Gea told BBC One that it was a very tight game as they played a very good team.
“Brighton play really good football. We are now in the final but we have another big game on Thursday so we need to go home and recover.
“They were great penalties. I was prepared as always. I tried to put pressure on the takers. There’s still a long way to the final but it will be a big game against one of the best teams in Europe and the world.
“We showed at home we can beat them [Man City] so let’s hope. We are on the right track. One trophy, another final and fighting for the top four. It’s not enough but it’s a big step from last season,” he said.