FA Cup 2018 Semi-final: Manchester United 2-1 Tottenham - Talking Points

#1 Delle Alli's goal: A blessing in disguise for United

Ali's goal spurred United into action

Through the years, Mourinho's teams have been known, and criticized, for starting off slow in matches and waiting deep, instead of trying to attack the opposition in a blazing manner. The Portuguese manager prefers safety over extravagance, and most of the time gets it right with this tactic.

However, it goes horribly wrong at times, like it did against Sevilla in the Champions League this year. His men end up becoming too passive and it becomes difficult for them to change gears in attack if they end up conceding late in the game.

If and when they go down in the first half, though, it gives them the green signal to open up and attack with more vigour and conviction. That is why they could make thumping comebacks against Crystal Palace and Manchester City earlier this year, despite being down 0-2 at half-time on both occasions.

When Alli scored the opening goal of the day, it did not give United the chance to 'park the bus' and instead, spurred them to create more chances going forward. It fell into their lap beautifully, as Sanchez, Pogba, and Lukaku seemed to play with more freedom in the final third.