Brighton’s De Zerbi says Manchester United did not deserve to win FA Cup Semifinal

Brighton’s De Zerbi says Manchester United did not deserve to win FA Cup Semifinal

Ayoola Kelechi 20:07 - 24.04.2023

Brighton's coach Roberto De Zerbi has suggested that his side deserved to win the FA Cup semifinal against Manchester United

Brighton’s head coach, Roberto De Zerbi, has bemoaned his team’s FA Cup semifinal loss on penalties to Manchester United, suggesting that his side was better than the Red Devils on the night and deserved to go through. 

Brighton lose on penalties after super display against Manchester United

Brighton went toe-to-toe with the vastly more economically powerful Manchester United in the semifinal of the FA Cup on Sunday and were impressive against the Red Devils. 

They dominated the fixture with 61% possession and 15 shots on goal while slightly edging the 13-time Premier League champions on expected goals, 1.22-0.84 after 90 minutes and 1.3-1.2 after extra time. 

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Despite playing some great football, Brighton ultimately lost out on a place in the FA Cup final after Solly March skied his penalty and allowed Victor Lindelof to win the game for Manchester United in a sudden-death shootout. 

De Zerbi laments penalty loss against Manchester United

Speaking after the game, De Zerbi lamented the unsuccessful attempt to reach the FA Cup final after Brighton failed to win at Wembley for the sixth time in a row, saying he believed the better team lost on Sunday. 

De Zerbi was quoted as saying, “Usually, in penalties, the winner is the one who doesn’t deserve it.”

Despite De Zerbi’s complaints and general feelings about the match, Manchester United will be unbothered after reaching the FA Cup final for the 21st time and setting up a Manchester Derby final for the first time in the competition’s history. 

The Red Devils will be hoping to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, ending their neighbours treble dreams while claiming two domestic trophies themselves after already claiming the EFL Cup earlier this season. 

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