‘Brighton were better and deserved win over Manchester United’ – De Zerbi

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi says they deserved to win the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United because they were better.

After a goalless draw at full-time, the encounter was pushed to extra time, and neither side could get a decisive goal. The winner had to be decided from the spot-kick, and the Seagulls lost by a margin of 6-7, with Solly March missing his penalty.

"We deserved to win because we played better and we had more chances to score," De Zerbi said after the match at Wembley.

"We suffered in the middle of the second half, but for the other part of the game, we commanded the play, we played in the other half of the pitch."

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After the FA Cup setback at the penultimate stage, De Zerbi said the most important thing now is to focus on their next Premier League game.

"The players are focused on our target," he added. "We are playing well, we deserve to achieve our target in the Europa League, but football can be cruel, not right, not fair; we have to be ready to fight, starting on Wednesday against Nottingham Forest.

"It will be a very tough game, and I want the same team I watched today [Sunday]. I already spoke with my players, we have to close this day, this page, but we have to be proud of the performance, for the people who demand it, and for the players for the quality of play."

The Seagulls have been impressive this season, and the manager expressed confidence in his players but hinted that the club needs new players to strengthen the squad.

"I have a lot of confidence in my players," he concluded.

"When we finish this season, we have to speak with the club and know the plan to understand if we can improve the squad or not.

"We arrived without a lot of important players. I'm always positive, I love my players, but we have to be stronger to fight and compete another year at this level of performance and results."

Manchester United will face Manchester City in the FA Cup final in June.