Spanish stopper David de Gea labelled striker Anthony Martial “unbelievable” as after his added-time winner against Everton sent Manchester United into their first Emirates FA Cup Final in nine years at Wembley.
The Frenchman swept the ball into the bottom corner from Ander Herrera’s pass, after a Chris Smalling own goal looked destined to send the match into extra time.
United had led through Marouane Fellaini’s scuffed finish, while De Gea produced a stunning one-handed save to keep out Romelu Lukaku’s penalty.
Everton 1-2 Man Utd
The Emirates FA Cup
Semi-Final
Saturday 23 April 2016
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
De Gea said: “The penalty save was a key moment.
“Everton played very well and had chances but we played very well too and I am so happy we won.
“It takes just one second, one action to score a goal. Anthony Martial was unbelievable, and to do what he did in the last minute is just unbelievable.
“It is really important for us and for the club to win The FA Cup."
United seemed in control of the first half, and Martial darted down the left wing and cut the ball back for Fellaini to give Louis van Gaal’s men the lead.
Manchester United celebrate Fellaini's opener
But Everton hit back and, despite Lukaku’s missed penalty after Timothy Fosu-Mensah brought down Ross Barkley, Smalling diverted Gerard Deulofeu’s cross into his own net.
Both sides pushed forward for a winner, but it was United who broke Everton hearts when Herrera stabbed the ball through and Martial steered it in.
“It was a crazy second half,” said United midfielder Michael Carrick.
“We played some good stuff in the first half and we were comfortable and in control of the game.
“There were chances everywhere and to finish like that is the best way to win a game.
“It would mean everything to win it. We have been desperate to get our hands on this trophy for too long.
“We are not there yet but we have given ourselves a chance.”
United lost to Chelsea in their only other FA Cup Final at the new Wembley in 2007, and have not lifted the trophy since they beat Millwall in 2004.
They will face either Watford or Crystal Palace in The Final on Saturday 21 May.
