MANCHESTER UNITED managed to put their penalty shootout hoodoo behind them against Brighton and Hove Albion.
The Red Devils booked their ticket to the FA Cup final after beating the Seagulls on penalties.
Before the deciding spot kicks, Man United had lost seven of their previous eight shootouts.
This includes being knocked out of the FA Cup last season by Middlesborough in the Fourth Round.
United also missed out on winning the Europa League in 2021 as they were bested by LaLiga side Villarreal.
But against the South Coast side at Wembley, United remained composed as they scored each of their seven penalties.
One reason behind the success according to fans was Wout Weghort’s ‘kiss of death’ on the ball before handing it over to Solly March.
The Brighton forward was also scuppered by David De Gea’s use of the dark arts.
The goalkeeper scuffed up the spot before his penalty kick.
March then sent the resulting penalty sailing over De Gea’s bar, allowing Victor Lindelof the opportunity to shoot for victory.
Meanwhile, Casemiro also tried to do his part as he was spotted doing his best to interfere as Adam Webster stepped up.
With the pressure on, the Brazil international was maniacally jumping around on the halfway line and waving his hands in the air – hinting the Spaniard should follow suit.
De Gea also had his own set of notes hidden with his water bottle and towel.
He was spotted looking at them between penalties, although it did not seem to help as he did not save a single effort.
In fact, he seemed to dive the wrong way every single time.
Despite that, United will be able to take confidence from the result against Brighton should the final end in a penalty shootout against Man City.
SOURCE: thesun.co.uk
