With their victory over Brighton in a penalty shootout on Sunday night, Manchester United guaranteed a spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.
At Wembley Stadium, Victor Lindelof converted the game-winning penalty to advance United to a record-tying 21st FA Cup final. Before Solly March came forward, the shootout's first 12 penalty kicks had already been converted.
March's penalty ballooned high into the stands despite Roberto De Zerbi's discovery of a productive streak, leaving Lindelof with just one more convert to win the shootout that had fallen into sudden death.
In the third FA Cup semi-final in the club's history, Brighton got off to the better start of the two teams, dominating possession with a typically fluid - and hazardous - style of playing out from the back that Roberto De Zerbi developed this season.
In the first half, though, the Seagulls had trouble converting their dominance into opportunities. Soon after the break, Paraguayan sensation Julio Enciso forced David de Gea to make his first noteworthy save, while Solly March was denied immediately after.
Danny Welbeck wasted the game's greatest opportunity by nodding over from close range against his former employers, despite Bruno Fernandes' equally direct retort for Manchester United.
After 90 minutes without a goal, there was a goalless overtime, but Robert Sanchez was finally made to work up a sweat. Marcus Rashford, who had a difficult afternoon for United, fired from the edge of the box. A deflection gave the swerving shot an additional kick, but in the 105th minute, Sanchez was able to extend a paw to meet the ball.
Manchester United will play their local rivals in the FA Cup championship after winning the League Cup at Wembley earlier this season by defeating Newcastle in the final in February. The Red Devils already have plenty of motivation to win on Saturday, June 3, but Pep Guardiola's team is also aiming to become the first team since Manchester United in 1999 to win the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League treble.
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