Manchester United earned a 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion thanks to a goal in each half from Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic to advance into the semi finals of the Emirates FA Cup.
Jose Mourinho’s team needed to bounce back from a disappointing exit at the hands of Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League and they gave the fans something to cheer on at Old Trafford.
The first half was majorly affected by weather snow covered the pitch. This consequently affected the quality of play from both sides although they did not cover themselves in glory. Man United were sloppy with their passing while Brighton set up defensively to contain United’s disjointed attack.
The deadlock was broken eight minutes from end of the first half when Lukaku headed Matic’s cross beyond Tim Krul at the back post for his 25th goal of the season and his 10th of 2018.
Scott McTominay was reinstated in the line-up after his bench role on Tuesday and his assured passing dictated tempo as Manchester United saw out the half comfortably.
Brighton, however, came out with more purpose in the second half and created a bucket load of chances.
Pascal Gross shot wide and had another from outside the area blocked by Matic, while Jurgen Locadia also drew a decent save out of Sergio Romero.
Their best opportunity came on 55 minutes when United captain Antonio Valencia’s poor clearance was met with a belter from Jurgen Locadia from the edge of the penalty area which was destined for the top corner but keeper Sergio Romero made a stunning one-handed save.
Ten minutes later, Locadia should have equalized for Brighton but he headed wide at point-blank range after evading Valencia again.
The outplayed Red Devils had created no chance in the half and had no shot till that point while Brighton had ten already, forcing Mourinho to respond with Rashford replacing a displeased Mata.
They eventually had their first shot on 83 minutes and it resulted in the second goal. Ashley Young’s free-kick from deep was headed into the net by Nemanja Matic, who put in a man of the match display in another scrappy and uninspiring display.
Earlier in the day, Tottenham were the first to advance after a swashbuckling 3-0 win over Swansea at the Libert stadium in Wales, thanks to a brace from midfielder Christian Erikson either side of Erik Lamela’s goal.
RESULTS:
Swansea City 0-3 Tottenham Hotspurs
Manchester United 2-0 Brighton & Hove Albion.
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