There will be a first-ever Manchester derby FA Cup final after the Red Devils needed penalties to get past Brighton & Hove Albion this afternoon.
Both sides couldn’t be separated in 90 minutes, with the game ending goalless, it was the same again in extra time meaning a shootout was needed to decide who faces Manchester City in the showpiece event on June 3rd.
Erik ten Hag’s men held their nerves coming out 7-6 winners. It was all-square following the opening five spot-kicks before Solly March blasted his effort over the bar. Victor Lindelof would then step up to ensure a mouthwatering final against Pep Guardiola’s treble-chasers.
Here’s how the players rated at Wembley Stadium:
Brighton
Robert Sanchez – 7.5 – Forced into making five saves, including a spectacular one to deny Rashford in extra-time, and one claim, the busier of the two goalkeepers.
Pascal Gross – 8 – For casual watchers of Brighton seeing Gross at right-back would have turned heads which is understandable given he’s played there a handful of times during a 15-year playing career. He’d return to midfield after the hour mark following Joel Veltman’s introduction. No one created more chances (five) than him today.
Adam Webster – 7.5 – Escaped a booking, according to Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag, after bringing Martial down before the half-time break. That incident aside Webster was a monster having won four aerial duels, most of anyone on the pitch.
Lewis Dunk – 6 – Not exactly a defensive slouch but Dunk’s tandem with Webster was on full display, and why it’s been so effective, Webster the more aggressive would see any slight mishap cleaned up by his partner-in-crime.
Pervis Estupinan – 4 – His natural inclination remains to get forward as possible, but the full-back proved ineffective as he often needlessly gave possession away.
Moises Caicedo – 7.5 – Though starting in a deep-lying midfield position the Ecuardian provided another dimension to Brighton’s game by driving forward and linking up with their eclectic attackers. Caicedo’s reading of the game was also top-notch.
Alexis Mac Allister – 6 – Saw an early free-kick tipped around the post by De Gea, following that Brighton’s world champion provided the foundation behind their attacking endeavours.
Julio Enciso – 5.5 – Although casual in possession he managed to produce a blistering effort wide of De Gea’s right-hand post before a point-blank shot was brilliantly saved.
Solly March – 6 – Began the game superbly, causing United problems down Brighton’s right flank, however, went down in the 19th minute after getting his right ankle stuck in the turf. He managed to shrug it off and kept Dalot, occupying United’s left-back spot, honest. Unfortunate to be the only player to miss in the shootout.
Danny Welbeck – 6 – He was in the thick of things but couldn’t quite register a fifth goal against his boyhood club.
Kaoru Mitoma – 6.5 – Nothing illustrates a forward in top form than whenever he’s in possession and seeing the opposition backline desperately scurry into formation. An electric opening half though was followed by a subdued one. He did come back alive in extra time and could even have been a match-winner.
Substitutes:
Joel Veltman (for Enciso 67) – 6 – Brighton’s first choice at right-back, Veltman’s introduction allowed Gross to settle into his usual midfield berth.
Deniz Undav (for Welbeck 75) – 5 – Big chance early into extra-time but his first touch let him down.
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Man Utd
David De Gea – 7.5 – A sweeper-keeper De Gea is not but there are very few better shot-stoppers around.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8 – Tasked with keeping tabs on the mercurial Mitoma the once revered defensive right-back enjoyed some moments but it was a thorough examination. When not on the back foot he showed that he’s capable of contributing going forward.
Victor Lindelof – 5.5 – Ended up as United’s second-most prolific dribbler in today’s game. The much-maligned Swedish centre-back never required a second invitation to bring the ball out from defence. Scored the winning spot-kick to cap off a strong performance.
Luke Shaw – 6 – Playing in a now familiar centre-back role the nominally attacking left-back seldom crossed into Brighton’s half though when Shaw did you could see how useful he’d be playing where Dalot started.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5 – Eyebrows were raised when it was announced Dalot would be starting at left back. Ten Hag’s decision was likely influenced by mitigating March and it proved to be the case as he was in a constant defensive mode often making timely interceptions.
Casemiro – 7 – Earned a 36th-minute yellow card after producing an unnecessary foul on Mac Allister, the former Real Madrid midfield general though completed a game-high six successful tackles.
Christian Eriksen – 5 – Making a third consecutive start following his return from injury. Eriksen was among those who struggled at Sevilla earlier in the week. He notably started and nearly finished an effort in first-half stoppage time.
Bruno Fernandes – 7.5 – Similar to March, the Portuguese international started today’s semi-final positively before getting his right ankle stuck in the Wembley turf, he would continue and even came agonisingly close to breaking the deadlock in the 45th minute.
Antony – 5.5 – You’ll never know what you’re going to get with United’s explosive Brazilian forward. Today, the former Ajax man frustrated his teammates (notably Fernandes), often making the wrong decision when getting into an advantageous position.
Marcus Rashford – 5 – Arguably the Red Devils‘ most important player. Featuring in his second game back from injury the Mancunian looked a long way from recapturing his prior stellar form.
Anthony Martial – 4.5 – A lack of centre-forward options ensured he started but his presence wasn’t felt though had an effort on the stroke of half-time ballooning over Sanchez’s goal.
Substitutes:
Fred (for Eriksen 62) – 6 – Man Utd were besieged in the opening 15 minutes after half-time. Fred was needed and the Brazilian midfielder obliged by restoring much-needed control.
Jadon Sancho (for Martial 85) – 5.5 – Added even more zip to United’s attack.
Marcel Sabitzer (for Antony 91) – 5 – Been in excellent form of late his arrival was more to do with staying on top of Brighton, even had a headed effort go wide, as penalties seemingly loomed.
Wout Weghorst (for Fernandes 102) – 4 – Much like his time at Man Utd so far you hardly knew he was there.
Tyrell Malacia (for Wan-Bissaka 102) – 4 – Had a case to start but after coming on the young Dutchman seldom touched the ball.