Manchester United show the mental resolve needed to win trophies

The energy, fight, determination and organisation which was so badly missing in Spain was back with a bang, which says a lot about ten Hag’s ability to re-set after disappointment

CUP FINAL FEELING: Manchester United's Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot celebrate the winning the penalty shoot-out during the Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. Pic: Mike Egerton/PA Wire

One trophy already in the Old Trafford cabinet, an FA Cup final to look forward to against the noisy neighbours (with a chance of denying them the treble) and holding all the aces in the race for the Champions League. It may have required an agonising penalty shoot-out to get there, but now is the right to time to stop measuring weekly whether Erik ten Hag is improving Manchester United.

Memories of a miserable Europa League semi-final defeat in Seville were wiped out by a victory over Brighton that showed real mettle and, despite accusations to the contrary, proved this United team really do have the desire to win trophies.