‘Manchester United can deal with setbacks’ – Ten Hag

FA CUP ‘Manchester United can deal with setbacks’ – Ten Hag

Kiplagat Sang 08:30 - 24.04.2023

United bounced back from Sevilla defeat to beat Brighton and reach the FA Cup final.

Erik ten Hag has praised Manchester United for bouncing back from their embarrassing Europa League defeat and exit.

Sevilla ended United’s dream – at the quarter-finals - to win the Europa League, and just three days after the exit, the Red Devils outwitted Brighton on penalty shootouts at Wembley to book a final ticket in the FA Cup.

"It was the worst game of the season in Sevilla. You can't change it anymore, but take the lessons for the future," Ten Hag said, as quoted by Sky Sports.

"What we've proved is we can deal with setbacks and bounce back between games, but now what we have to improve is bouncing back in a game, In difficult situations, in away stadiums, we have to show personality, carry on, and stick to the plan."

Ten Hag particularly pointed out the mental and physical strength shown by United against Brighton at Wembley.

"Even if we played a bad game, there were opportunities on Thursday night to bounce back in that game and get back into it," he added.

"If you can fight three days after a defeat, you can also do that in a game. It's just controlling your emotions, sticking together, and turning around the game.

"We are physically and mentally strong. We showed the character and personality to do that. I can tell you it's not so easy, but we did it. We were determined to win this game."

The Dutchman continued in his praise for David de Gea. Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho were also singled out for praise by the manager.

"David played a great game in and out of possession, made some great saves, which he is doing so often this season," he concluded.

"We have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and another one today [Sunday]. We were so determined and fought for it. We were organised, they had chances, but we had chances as well in transition and direct play.

"Marcus and Jadon are comfortable on penalties. They dealt with it. It's a long time ago [the Euro 2020 final], but they are so calm and composed in training, I know this is a different occasion, but it's great they have this experience.

"It will help them in the future. I don't think there is a hesitation there, there was never a hesitation before because they're really good penalty-takers."

By progressing to the final, it means fans will be treated to a Manchester Derby after City defeated Sheffield United in the other semi-final.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi says they deserved to win the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United because they were better.

"We deserved to win because we played better and we had more chances to score," he said.