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Diogo Dalot makes Man United penalty revelation after faultless shootout win over Brighton in FA Cup semi-final.
After witnessing Manchester United win a shootout in the FA Cup semifinal, Diogo Dalot said that they have been practising penalties all season.
The Red Devils, who already won the Carabao Cup in 2023, advanced to another major final, where they will take on Manchester City, their bitter rivals, after defeating Brighton in a thrilling game at Wembley Stadium.
David de Gea made some incredible stops to keep the Seagulls at bay throughout the whole 120-minute match, and United held their composure from 12 yards out to successfully convert all seven of their penalty shots.
Casemiro, Dalot, Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Marcel Sabitzer, and Wout Weghorst all scored until Victor Lindelof scored the game-winning goal.
Portuguese defender Dalot told MUTV afterwards of why United were always confident of coming out on top, with Solly March the only man to fluff his lines: “Since the start of pre-season, we have been trying to train penalties, everyone. I think this was a feeling that the time would come one day and we had to be ready. And I think everybody showed quality, some character under pressure. Because it is difficult. Because behind were the Brighton fans screaming at you, you had to focus. So we showed personality and I am really happy with everyone that we scored the penalties and we are in the final.
“We showed character and tactically we were very good. We knew we had to be patient with the ball. They were trying to find spaces. Brighton are a fantastic team, they play really good football. We had to be aggressive in the duels. And today, we showed that we want it. We showed desire. And that responsibility has to be every game. We have to be more consistent if we want to win every trophy.”
Dalot showed no sign of nerves when firing his penalty into the corner of the net, with the 24-year-old adding when asked if he knew where he was going to place his effort before stepping up: “Usually, I decide last minute. Before the Sevilla game, we trained penalties and yesterday, I felt like that side was more comfortable, so I took it. I choose one side and I believed in it and put it strong so the keeper could not save it. So I am happy that it went in.”
On June 3, United will face City in the first all-Manchester FA Cup final, but they have eight Premier League games to play in order to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League. That run is scheduled to begin away at Tottenham on Thursday.