Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag found six leaders in Brighton win

Brighton vs Manchester United in pictures

Manchester United boosted their hopes of a cup double with an FA Cup penalty shootout victory over Brighton on Sunday. It was a huge day for Erik ten Hag, who had needed a response from his side following their woeful defeat to Sevilla just days previously. And six leaders emerged for the Dutchman at Wembley, with the Red Devils still on course for a fantastic season.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Victor Lindelof and Luke Shaw have all blown hot and cold for United ever since their respective arrivals from Crystal Palace, Benfica and Southampton in years gone by.

But all three players deserve credit for the way they performed at Wembley as the Red Devils battled their way into the final.

Wan-Bissaka was dominant at right-back, managing to nullify the threat of Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma – which is no easy feat.

The United defender’s prowess at the back has never been in question, with the attacking side of his game often highlighted as a weakness.

But Wan-Bissaka was good at both ends of the pitch, with his mazy run towards the end of the contest going viral.

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There’s been talk of a summer exit for the former Palace star but, based on this evidence, he’s very much a player worth keeping.

Shaw has been questioned at various stages of his United career, even if he’s been more consistent in recent years.

And his performance at centre-back against Brighton was strong, with the left-back shining alongside Lindelof in the heart of Ten Hag’s defence.

Lindelof himself has been widely criticised and written off as not good enough since his move from Benfica in 2017.

However, United have always believed in the Sweden international and his winning penalty in the shootout topped off a positive performance all round.

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While the defensive trio all impressed, there were other leaders found during the contest as well.

It’s an open secret that David De Gea is a gladiator for United, even if his ability to play out from the back remains questionable.

When it comes to pure shot-stopping, however, there’s still just a few goalkeepers who even remotely compare.

De Gea had toiled just days before the victory over Brighton, making two costly errors in his side’s 3-0 Europa League loss to Sevilla.

But the 32-year-old bounced back to produce some big saves to help United get over the line and set up a mouthwatering final showdown against Manchester City.

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Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes stood tall, too.

Casemiro volunteered to take the first penalty in the shootout, stepping forward in front of both Ten Hag and Steve McClaren.

The former Real Madrid star showed remarkable courage and the way he duly converted his penalty was impressive, sending Robert Sanchez the wrong way.

Fernandes was withdrawn as the game went on, with Ten Hag choosing to save his skipper for matches ahead.

Yet that didn’t stop the former Sporting Lisbon star from conducting his team-mates and encouraging them in the closing stages.

Fernandes rallied the troops as United prepared for penalties, stepping forward with Harry Maguire in the background.

It seems only a matter of time before the 28-year-old becomes permanent captain of the club, especially with Maguire being linked with a move away.

Whether United are able to overcome City in the final in June remains to be seen.

But Ten Hag certainly has a squad of leaders capable of bringing the trophy home to the red side of Manchester, something that wasn’t the case 12 months ago.

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