Lukaku, Matic send United into Cup semis

Headers by Romelu Lukaku and Nemanja Matic earned Manchester United an unconvincing 2-0 victory over Brighton and Hove Albion in a low-key FA Cup quarter-final played in freezing conditions Saturday. United, looking to make amend after their feeble Champions League defeat by Sevilla, struggled to impose themselves against Brighton before Lukaku broke the deadlock by heading home Matic's curling, left-foot cross at the far post after 37 minutes. The goal was Lukaku's 12th goal in 11 FA Cup games and the Belgian's 25th of the season in all competition, including goals in each round of the FA Cup. But once again, United were unable to build on the opener and lost their way in the second half as a slow tempo and lack of fluency restricted their attacking potency. Brighton, in contrast, grew more confident as the game went on and dominated possession in the second half to keep United goalkeeper Sergio Romero busy.

After a hard week, our team gets up. Thanks to the fans for their support and the players for this result. @ManUtd pic.twitter.com/NE0kdYLJQU

— Antonio Valencia (@anto_v25) March 17, 2018

Dutch forward Juergen Locadia was twice foiled by Romero and was off-target with a header from a promising Solly March cross. But Matic calmed the nerve around Old Trafford seven minutes from time when he stole in to nod Ashley Young's teasing free kick into the net. Manager Jose Mourinho's angry 12-minute monologue Friday contained little criticism of his players but he was less forgiving after this display. Brighton manager Chris Hughton said his team had caused United problems. United, bidding to win the FA Cup for the 13th time, joined Tottenham Hotspur in the last four. Leicester City play Chelsea and third-tier Wigan Athletic face Southampton in the other quarter-finals Sunday.

#MUFC in the @EmiratesFACup this season: Played 4⃣ Scored ? Conceded 0⃣ Bring on the semi-finals ? pic.twitter.com/Ryci0MgS6e

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) March 17, 2018

RESULTMan Utd 2 (Lukaku 37, Matic 83) Brighton 0 SUNDAY'S MATCHESWigan v Southampton and Leicester v Chelsea