Manchester United set up FA Cup final vs Man City after Solly March misses penalty

Manchester United will face rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final after Solly March's spot-kick miss saw Brighton suffer semi-final shoot-out heartache.

Three days on from their Europa League quarter-final exit to Sevilla, Erik ten Hag's side found themselves in the familiar position of needing to bounce back from a humiliating loss.

Brighton made United sweat as the south coast club sought to reach just their second FA Cup final, with the semi-final ending 0-0 after 120 minutes at Wembley.

<p><p>The first 12 penalties of the shoot-out found the net before Albion favourite March blazed over, allowing Victor Lindelof to win it 7-6 and set-up a Wembley return against City.</p></p>

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Roberto De Zerbi's exciting side had been bookmakers' favourites in their third FA Cup semi-final appearance and began in the manner onlookers have become accustomed to.

Alexis Mac Allister's early free-kick was saved by David De Gea, with the under-fire United goalkeeper brilliantly tipping over a Julio Enciso attempt after half-time.

United settled and the match went to extra-time, which also ended goalless meaning the semi-final went to spot-kicks under the arch.

March's miss was the key moment, with Lindelof striking brilliantly in sudden death as the Carabao Cup winners progressed to a record-equalling 21st FA Cup final.

United goalkeeper David de Gea said on BBC One: "It was a very tight game. We played against a really good team.

"We had prepared for penalties as always, I tried to put pressure on the takers. We took perfect penalties.

<p>"We are in another final, but we have another big game on Thursday (at Tottenham), so now we have to go home for recovery and prepare again.</p>

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"There is still a long way to go to the final. I am sure it is going to be a big game against one of the best teams in Europe, but we have shown already that we can beat them.

"We already have one trophy, are in another final and going for the top four. Of course that is not enough, but it is a great step from last season. We keep improving. We have big games coming and have to be ready."

<p>The article <a href="https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/news/manchester-united-set-up-fa-cup-final-man-city-after-march-misses-penalty-wembley">Manchester United set up FA Cup final vs Man City after March misses penalty </a> appeared first on Planetsport.com.</p>