Erik ten Hag praises ‘great’ Man Utd trio after FA Cup win over Brighton

Erik ten Hag praised the performances of David de Gea after Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton & Hove Albion on Sunday, and the mentality of penalty-scorers Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.

The trio all played a part in the Red Devils’ win at Wembley as the teams played out a 0-0 draw, only for United to win 7-6 on penalties after Victor Lindelof netted the decisive spot-kick. While De Gea didn’t get to any of the Seagulls’ seven penalties, he did make some important saves in the match, particularly to deny Julio Enciso and Solly March.

As for Sancho and Rashford, the pair both scored from the spot in the penalty shootout. The United attackers famously missed penalties in the final of Euro 2020 at Wembley, and Ten Hag said that experience has helped them.

“David played a great game, in and out of possession. He made some great saves,” said the Dutchman. “He’s done that so often this season, great saves, we have the most clean sheets in the Premier League. Today a clean sheet as well because we were so determined, we were fighting for it, we were organised.”

“From Rashy and Jadon about penalties, we knew that, but we knew also they’re comfortable on penalties,” he added. “They dealt with it, it’s a time ago, but they are so calm and composed in training with penalties.

“I know this is a different occasion but I think it’s great they had this experience now and I think it will help them for the future. I don’t think there’s a hesitation, before there was never a hesitation because they are really good penalty takers.”