Chelsea ended Manchester United’s FA Cup dreams Sunday night (July 19) at the Wembley Stadium, beating the Red Devils 3-1 to advance to an all-London FA Cup final against Arsenal.
Frank Lampard and his men owe the usually infallible David De Gea’s recent, error-prone performances for two of the goals – by Olivier Giroud and Mason Mount – just before and soon after half-time and a Harry Maguire own-goal in the 74th minute, as United crumbled.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer addmited his team lost concentration. “Of course, coming in at half time with the goal after that long lay-off was a big blow for us. We lost concentation and that was disappointing.
“Chelsea had an extra 48 hours, that’s just a fact but it’s no excuse, I can’t use excuses. It is what it is, we would rather have the semi to play than not, I won’t make a fuss out of that.
“You always question your decisions.
“I can’t speak for David de Gea’s confidence but he is mentally very strong. He knows he should save that one 100 times out of 100 but that’s football for you. I made the decison to play him and mentally he was ready for it.
“You know Olivier Giroud’s movement you know he goes to the near post and we should defend that better. We are a little too late in those situations and the second goal was very avoidable.
“Eric Bailly is hopefully fine, he had a cut on his head but hopefully he will be fine.
“There is no time to feel sorry for ourselves, we have two games this week and then the Europa League. We will get our heads ready and our legs ready and go again.”
