Following a scoreless 0-0 draw after extra time in a downpour at Wembley, Manchester United advanced to the FA Cup final by defeating Brighton & Hove Albion in a high-stakes shootout. The game ended when Victor Lindelof converted his penalty, following a missed attempt by Solly March, who fired too high. United's 7-6 win sets up a landmark clash against Manchester City on June 3, the first all-Manchester matchup in the history of the FA Cup final.
Manchester United beat Brighton & Hove Albion in a tense penalty shootout in their FA Cup semifinal clash at a rain-lashed Wembley Stadium after the game was finished 0-0 after extra time. United defender Victor Lindelof scored the decisive spot kick after Solly March missed his chance, blasting the ball high over the bar. Lindelof’s strike helped United to secure a 7-6 shootout victory, setting up the final against Manchester City. It will be the first-ever all-Manchester clash in the FA Cup summit clash, scheduled to be played on June 3 at Wembley Stadium.
Manchester City, currently pursuing a treble, earned their place in the final with a dominant 3-0 victory over Sheffield United earlier Saturday. United, under the guidance of Erik Ten Hag, are aiming for a cup double this year. The penalty shootout was remarkably high-quality despite the heavy rain; United converted every single one of their seven chances, while Brighton's streak of six successful kicks ended when March missed the target.
The match was an intense struggle, with both teams working tirelessly to find a breakthrough, though neither managed to score during open play. It was a real cliffhanger that kept supporters on edge, featuring several close calls during extra time. One notable moment saw Marcus Rashford's deflected effort stopped by a sharp save from Brighton's Robert Sanchez, who managed to push the ball wide.
Brighton came agonizingly close to a late winner in extra time when Kaoru Mitoma missed a chance following a collision with David de Gea. Although Brighton controlled much of the possession and played aggressively, they'll likely regret missed opportunities, such as Danny Welbeck's header and a near-save by Sanchez on Marcel Sabitzer's penalty at 5-4. Sabitzer's strike had just enough power and height to beat the keeper's dive. Ultimately, United's grit and endurance allowed them to overcome a Brighton side that had entered the match as the favorites.
Speaking to the BBC after the match, Lindelof expressed his immense relief and happiness at reaching the final, stating that he felt confident in his decision and executed the penalty exactly as he had planned.