Steve McClaren's role in Man Utd FA Cup penalty shootout victory spotted

23 April 2023 , 19:07

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Steve McClaren played a key role in Man Utd's penalty success (Image: BBC)

Steve McClaren was barking the orders before Manchester United's penalty shootout success as he picked the order of the takers.

The Red Devils secured their spot in the FA Cup final by seeing off Brighton, who had the better of the play but couldn't find the crucial goal as the game ended goalless after 120 minutes. United haven't enjoyed penalty shootouts as of late, but were able to revel in Wembley success with a 7-6 victory.

McClaren, who returned to Old Trafford in the summer as one of Erik ten Hag's assistants, was alongside the manager in the huddle but was the man doing the talking. He held the information and was reading out which player would take what penalty.

Diogo Dalot, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford were among those who stepped up in the first five, before it went to sudden death. Victor Lindelof was the man who scored the vital penalty after Seagulls star Solly March had hammered his effort over the bar.

The Swede told the BBC in the aftermath of the shootout: “I knew which penalty I wanted to take, I went up and I scored it.” Last term the Red Devils were knocked out of the FA Cup on penalties with Middlesbrough securing a shock victory.

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Their success against Brighton means Ten Hag's side can claim two pieces of silverware in his debut season with a top four spot also looking increasingly likely. Manchester City lie in wait in the final, after they beat Sheffield United, which presents United with the potential chance to deny Pep Guardiola's side the treble.

Manchester United's Swedish defender Victor Lindelof scores the winning penalty past Brighton's Spanish goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in a penalty shoot out during the English FA Cup semi-final football match between Manchester United and Brighton and Hove Albion at Wembley Stadium in north west London on April 23, 2023. (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)

The Red Devils, who lost 6-3 to their neighbours earlier this season, have since gained revenge with a 2-1 win at Old Trafford and David de Gea is confident they can repeat the feat.

He said: "It was a very tight game we played a very good team. Brighton play really good football. We are now in the final but we have another big game on Thursday so we need to go home and recover. They were great penalties. I was prepared as always. I tried to put pressure on the takers.

"There's still a long way to the final but it will be a big game against one of the best teams in Europe and the world. We showed at home we can beat them [Man City] so let's hope. We are on the right track. One trophy, another final and fighting for the top four. It's not enough but it's a big step from last season."

Samuel Meade