Did you see these viral moments from our semi-final?
Manchester United’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final win was settled on penalties after a closely contested war of attrition at Wembley against Brighton.
Tension was high, and nails were well and truly bitten, but the Reds dealt with the pressure.
Certainly, Casemiro and Wout Weghorst, who both arrived at the club at different stages of this season, displayed exactly why Erik ten Hag brought them in.
Almost immediately after it was confirmed that the match would be settled by a shootout, one man made a beeline to shoulder the responsibility of taking United’s first spot-kick: Casemiro.
Casemiro wanted the first pen ❤️🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/YpMD96J2W0
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) April 23, 2023
The five-time Champions League winner relishes the big moments, and showed no hesitancy in leading the Reds into the shootout, as we strived the reach the final.
Of course, our no.18 slotted his effort home from 12 yards, beginning the chain of events that resulted in Ten Hag’s side eliminating the Seagulls from the competition.
As Victor Lindelof prepared for what turned out to be the deciding kick, Casemiro faced the other way.
Casemiro couldn't watch! 🫣#FACup #BBCFootball @Casemiro pic.twitter.com/QHFq8FYMNC
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) April 23, 2023
The sound of our supporters after Victor’s effort struck the net prompted a smile from the Brazilian, as he and his team-mates reached our second major final of the season.
In addition to our own exploits, it became a battle of wills as the rain poured down under the Wembley arch.
Prior to Solly March’s spot-kick, Weghorst picked up the ball and kissed it, possibly playing mind games with the Brighton winger. March blazed his penalty over, opening the door for Lindelof to clinch victory for the Reds.
Whilst the rest of the players celebrated together, Wout Weghorst celebrated in front of the @ManUtd fans ♥️#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/UMU3mdSIqP
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) April 23, 2023
The Sweden captain stepped up and made no mistake, sending Ten Hag's side into the final.
Pandemonium ensued among the United players, but instead of running to join in the celebrations with his colleagues, Weghorst sprinted to the other end of the pitch to knee slide in front of our supporters.
Much like our Carabao Cup final triumph, Wout soaked in the jubilation with those who traveled to the stadium to cheer us on. He just gets it, doesn't he?
United now face Manchester City in the Emirates FA Cup final for the very first time, and the mentality of our players at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final and Sunday's semi-final will hopefully stand us in good stead for the clash with our neighbours.