Diogo Dalot celebrates United's FA Cup semi-final win over Brighton

Dalot: We prepared for penalties

Sunday 23 April 2023 21:42

Diogo Dalot revealed Manchester United have been practising penalties since pre-season in order to be ready for occasions like Sunday's Emirates FA Cup semi-final against Brighton & Hove Albion.

United triumphed 7-6 on penalties after a goalless draw at Wembley, with Victor Lindelof netting the decisive spot-kick as Erik ten Hag’s side booked a second cup final appearance of the season, following February's Carabao Cup triumph over Newcastle United.

Dalot had earlier converted his own penalty and spoke to MUTV shortly after the game about the Reds' preparations from 12 yards, as well as the character the team showed at Wembley.

How did scoring in the shootout feel? Video

How did scoring in the shootout feel?

Diogo Dalot talks us through taking a penalty in our FA Cup semi-final shootout against Brighton...

“Since the start of pre-season, we have been trying to train penalties, everyone," the full-back said. "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."

When asked whether or not he knew where he would place his penalty, Diogo revealed he actually made his mind up to go to the goalkeeper's left during training on Saturday.

“Usually, I decide last minute," he said. "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.”

Brighton 0 United 0 (6-7 on pens)

 Article

Erik ten Hag's men advance to the FA Cup final after defeating the Seagulls on penalties at Wembley.

United will return to Wembley on 3 June to face rivals Manchester City for the first time ever in an FA Cup final. It'll be the Reds' third encounter with City this season, following a win apiece in the Premier League.

Asked what this huge fixture means to him as a player, Dalot said: "It is what we are here for. It is why we are Man United. We want to be in the finals, we want to play the best games and we want to play a very good opponent. And we look forward to it."

Erik: We showed character Video

Erik: We showed character

Ten Hag credits his team for the spirit shown to win the semi-final, before outlining what "must be our next step"...

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