Sancho and Rashford show character

While Manchester United have not had a good recent record in such situations, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were unfortunate to fail from the spot for England in the Euro 2020 final against Italy.

Back at the scene of that night, when Gareth Southgate's side came so close to glory, particularly after Luke Shaw fired the Three Lions in front, it took some character for both players to step up again.

The social-media abuse both faced at the time, along with Bukayo Saka of Arsenal, was distressing and depressing and, even at games this season, some away fans have accused the United pair of 'letting their country down'. 

Rashford has been scoring goals regularly this term and has always been a confident taker so perhaps, for Sancho in particular, it was an exceptionally impressive moment that will hopefully boost his confidence ahead of the run-in, and an Emirates FA Cup final against his former club.

Showing immense resilience, the pair both executed their strikes perfectly to see the Reds through, despite the potential for more upset, with their spot-kicks placed unerringly past impressive Seagulls keeper Robert Sanchez.

“We knew that [they had missed previously, for England] but we knew also that they are comfortable on penalties," explained Erik ten Hag at his post-match press conference.

“They dealt with it, it’s a long time ago, but they are so calm and composed in training with penalties."

The boss was in no doubt that they were the right men for the job and believes that they can use this experience to kick on in similar high-pressure scenarios, which will inevitably come their way.

“I think it’s great that they had this experience now, and it will help them for the future, and I don’t think there’s hesitation,” the Dutchman said. “Before, there was never a hesitation, because they are really good penalty-takers.”

In only his second appearance at Wembley since that fateful night in 2021, Rashford came closest to breaking the deadlock, with a searing deflected shot requiring a world-class save from Brighton keeper Sanchez.

Despite not starting the game, fellow countryman Sancho impressed with his cameo, coming on five minutes before the end of the 90 minutes and providing the Reds with a vital energy and composure as we sought an extra-time breakthrough.

The pair certainly played their part in sending us to the FA Cup final clash with rivals City at Wembley on 3 June.