Victor Lindelof relieved to score the winning penalty to help Manchester United reach the FA Cup final
Manchester United centre-back Victor Lindelof expressed his relief for scoring the winning penalty to help his side reach the FA Cup final.
After two hours of intense yet goalless football between United and Brighton, the semi-final had to be decided via a penalty shootout.
The first six penalties from both sides were perfect, but Solly March missed the seventh penalty to allow Lindelof to step up next and score the winning penalty.
Here’s what the Swede said about that kick and how the performance of the whole team was (h/t BBC):
“It felt great [scoring the winning penalty]. It was a great relief and we’re glad to be in the final. I have confidence in myself and I knew which penalty I wanted to take and that’s what I did.
“We defended well. Brighton played well. They are confident with the ball but it felt good to keep a clean sheet.”
Having not played much this season because of how good Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been, it was a challenge for Lindelof to play well in such a big game against a dangerous side like Brighton.
The Sweden international showed all his experience throughout the game, marshalled his area well and formed a decent partnership with makeshift centre-back Luke Shaw.
After a disappointing night on Thursday, it was important for Erik ten Hag’s men to show some character and put up a big performance on a stage as big as the Wembley Arena.
Victor Lindelof relieved to score the winning penalty for Manchester United. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
Although the game felt like a slog at times, United showed the determination to stay in it and at least not lose.
Once the game went to the shootout, the Red Devils had the experience on their side with players of international pedigree scoring seven faultless penalties. Brighton, on the other hand, did well but showed their naivety in front of goal.
Now, we wait for the grand final against neighbours Manchester City in June. It promises to be an epic clash with ten Hag’s men chasing a cup double and City potentially chasing a treble.
