Erik ten Hag Says Man United Showed They Can Bounce Back From Disappointments With FA Cup Semi-Final Victory Over Brighton

Richard BoadiApril 24, 2023

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There was jubilation in the Man Utd ranks after Victor Lindelof's penalty shoot-out winner but despair for Solly March after his miss from 12 yards

Erik ten Hag says Manchester United have shown they can bounce back from defeats, but now they must show the same strength during matches.

United put their sobering Europa League defeat to Sevilla on Thursday behind them by reaching the FA Cup final with a penalty shoot-out victory over Brighton which also keeps their double hopes alive.

Ten Hag’s side were heavily criticised for their performance just three days ago yet showed resilience in the pressure moments at Wembley to grind out a crucial victory.

“It was the worst game of the season in Sevilla,” said Ten Hag. “You can’t change it anymore but take the lessons for the future.

“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.

Manchester United reached the FA Cup final after beating Brighton on penalties at Wembley

“Even if we played a bad game, there was opportunities on Thursday night to bounce back in that game and get back into it. 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.”

Ten Hag also praised David de Gea for his performance after the goalkeeper was at fault on Thursday, as well as Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho for scoring their penalties, having missed in the Euro 2020 final.

“David played a great game in and out of possession, made some great saves which he is doing so often this season,” the Dutchman said.

“We have the most clean sheets in the Premier League and another one today. 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 for the future. I don’t think there is a hesitation there, there was never a hesitation before because they’re really good penalty-takers.”