March 20 – The prospects of a mouth-watering first ever all-Manchester FA Cup final have moved step closer after both clubs reached the semi-finals at the weekend in vastly different fashion.
Fulham are still fuming at the way they were treated after dominating their quarterfinal at Old Trafford and taking the lead, only to suddenly implode and suffer three dismissals within 40 seconds, including the manager.
Emotions boiled over after Willian was sent off for handball, followed by the dismissals of manager Marco Silva and then striker Aleksandar Mitrovic for pushing the referee in protest.
It was a meltdown of epic proportions and United capitalized on it in ruthless fashion against nine men to advance with a 3-1 win that keeps its three-pronged trophy pursuit on track.
United’s opponents in the semi-finals will be dark horses Brighton, whom they beat in the 1983 final and who are enjoying an excellent season.
In the other semi-final Manchester City, who trounced Burnley 6-0 – Erling Haaland scoring yet another hattrick to make it 42 goals in 37 appearances in all competitions – will play the only non-Premier League club left, Championship side Sheffield United.
Contact the writer of this story at moc.l1713274486labto1713274486ofdlr1713274486owedi1713274486sni@w1713274486ahsra1713274486w.wer1713274486dna1713274486