FA Cup 2017/18: 3 things that went right for Manchester United against Tottenham

The much-awaited semi-final of this year's FA Cup didn't disappoint. Not one bit!

United qualified into the semi-finals after beating Brighton 2-0 while Spurs saw off Swansea City 3-0 in the quarter-finals.

From the first minute, it was an exhilarating affair with both teams ready playing as if their lives depended on it, and rightly so.

It was Spurs who took the lead in the 11th minute as Christian Eriksen's delightful cross was converted by Dele Alli.

United fought back with intent and levelled things up in the 24th minute through Alexis Sanchez who got on the end of an inch-perfect cross from Paul Pogba to equalise. Nothing separated the two teams as they went in for the half-time team talk.

The tempo died down a bit in the second-half with both teams wary of the implications of a defeat.

However, just after the hour mark, Ander Herrera scored from a brilliant strike from a fair distance out after excellent work from Sanchez and Lingard.

Spurs applied pressure relentlessly but Mourinho's defenders stood tall and the Lilywhites failed to convert their half-chances.

A crucial morale-boosting victory for the Red Devils as they qualify into the FA Cup final for a record-equalling 20th time.

We look at three things Mourinho and United got absolutely spot-on today:

---

#3 Playing a high pressing game

Mourinho got it on point!

Much has been said of Mourinho's inclination to sit back deeply, prioritise defence and threat the opposition on the counter-attack in big games. And it is something that has been frowned upon by the United faithful many a time.

However, today, Mourinho set his team out with a point to prove. Deploying a 4-3-3, he allowed his front three to change positions at will and also allowed Pogba to play his natural game.

United players were quick to close down their opponents and did not give Spurs the space that they usually look to take advantage of.

An all-action 90 minutes from United and a victory that re-affirms Mourinho's prowess on the big stage.

29 - @ManUtd have reached their 29th major domestic cup final (20 #FACup, 9 League Cup), more than any other side in English football. Familiar. pic.twitter.com/I095kPj83k

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 21, 2018

#2 Annihilating Harry Kane

Kane found the going tough

Without question, Kane is Spurs' talisman and someone whom they have depended on to deliver on a regular basis.

And, he has been doing just that for a long time and perhaps there is no player more hungry for goals than the forward in England.

But, it was a night for Kane to forget as Jones and Smalling expertly dealt with his threat, giving him absolutely no space or time to take things in his stride.

He was man-marked for the entire game and Kane found it extremely tough to escape from their clutches.

Jones and Smalling have had their fair share of criticism this season but this was a performance that the duo can be proud of.

#1 Trusting Sanchez and Pogba to deliver

Sanchez stepped up to the occasion!

If there was one thing every Red Devil across the world eagerly anticipated, it was Mourinho's team selection.

There have been question marks about Sanchez's and Pogba's current form with Mourinho himself making it clear that neither is guaranteed to start every game.

However, not only did he decide to start the duo, but they were the players who made the difference today.

Pogba playing in his favoured position was able to wreak havoc as he orchestrated United's attack beautifully.

They combined to give United the equaliser and Sanchez played a big role in United's winning goal as well. The big men stepped up and delivered when it mattered most.

8 - Alexis Sanchez has scored eight goals in his eight appearances at Wembley Stadium for club and country, including four in three #FACup semi-finals. Menace.

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 21, 2018