Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has delivered his verdict after his team booked their place in the FA Cup semi-finals, where they will be facing Brighton & Hove Albion at Wembley. Ten Hag commented on his team's qualification to the semi-finals of the FA Cup, by defeating Fulham, and the referee expelled two influential players from the opponent. Willian was dismissed after handling the ball on the goal line following a shot from Jadon Sancho, a decision that was taken after a lengthy VAR check. Speaking after the game, Ten Hag agreed with the referee’s decision to award a penalty and send Willian off, claiming it was ‘obvious’. “It was so clear and obvious. Handball in the box is a clear penalty. But it’s not for me to comment on them. It’s for me to talk about Manchester United and that’s it,” the Dutchman told reporters after the match. After the red cards, United cruised to victory as Marcel Sabitzer’s maiden goal for the Reds earned them the win before Bruno Fernandes scored his second of the game later on. Prior to the incident, United were struggling and they looked like a fatigued side. Ten Hag denied any suggestions of tired legs after the game, however. “This team has great character. We are mentally and physically fit, and I’m happy with our progress as a team,” he said. “In possession, we could have been better. Out of possession, we were excellent. We came under pressure, gave away some set pieces and then conceded the goal. David de Gea kept us in the game after we conceded.” Erik ten Hag concluded: “The match is still far away. The players will leave for the international break, and then we will face Newcastle, Brentford and Everton.” Manchester United booked their place in the semi-finals of this season's FA Cup with a come-from-behind 3-1 win over Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Man United qualified for the semi-finals to set a date with Brighton, while Manchester City plays Sheffield United in the second semi-final.