David de Gea did all he could to put off Brighton's penalty takers, which paid dividends as Manchester United claimed victory in their FA Cup semi-final.
The Red Devils will return to Wembley in June to take on Manchester City in the final after a 7-6 victory on penalties, with Solly March the unlucky man to miss. Brighton's winger hammered his effort high over the bar which allowed Victor Lindelof to dispatch the winning spot kick.
United and De Gea haven't enjoyed the best shootout record as of late, but the Spaniard was pulling out all the tricks to ensure they were successful this time. As March stepped forward De Gea could be seen waiting for him at the penalty spot, which he was attempting to scuff up with his boots.
The No 1 no doubt also had a word or two for March as he attempted to plant a seed of doubt in his mind. Whatever his tactics were, they worked as the Englishman hammered his spot kick into the stands, thus setting up United for victory after a goalless 120 minutes.
Goalkeepers have become increasingly influential in shootouts with their efforts in putting off opposition players very common, as was seen in the World Cup final where Emi Martinez was the hero. De Gea failed to save a single spot kick at Wembley, but certainly did his bit.
The Spaniard had done his homework on the Brighton players and made every effort to make their job harder, with his efforts now putting United in the position to claim a second piece of silverware this season.
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."
Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi consoled March after the defeat and said: "I told him I was a player and made a lot of mistakes with penalties. I told him that we played here because of his performances and goals. I am proud for him."
