TheCable

Manchester United defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 7-6 on penalties following a 0-0 draw after extra time in the semi-final of their English FA Cup encounter at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.

Erik Ten Hag’s men struggled against a well-organised Brighton side but ultimately prevailed to qualify for a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final.

The Red Devils had Casemiro back in midfield but fielded a backline comprising both Luke Shaw and Victor Lindelof in central defence.

Brighton threatened first through Alexis McAllister’s free kick that had David de Gea providing an expert save.

Man United settled and had chances to take the lead in the first half but Bruno Fernandes worked the goalkeeper before shooting wide of the bottom corner, while Anthony Martial couldn’t catch the keeper off his line from distance following a poor kick with the goal gaping.

Brighton fashioned the better chances of the second half with Julio Enciso attempting to score — only to be denied by de Gea.

The Red Devils saw more of the chances in extra time with Rashford going close while Sabitzer headed wide but both sides, tired after 120 minutes of football, settled for the lottery of penalty kicks.

March missed his kick before Lindelof dispatched his own to send Man United into the FA Cup final where they will meet Manchester City, their crosstown neighbours.

The FA Cup final this season will be an all-Manchester affair for the first time ever, and it will be played at Wembley on June 3.