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Manchester United will face bitter rivals Manchester City within the League Cup semi-finals after a dramatic 2-Zero win at Everton, whereas Tottenham joined them within the final 4 with victory towards Stoke on Wednesday. United dominated for lengthy intervals of their quarter-final at Goodison Park, however it took till the 88th minute earlier than Edinson Cavani broke the impasse. The former Paris Saint-Germain striker’s fourth purpose for United since becoming a member of on a free switch in October got here on the identical venue the place he opened his account for the membership final month.
Anthony Martial bagged United’s second purpose in stoppage time.
“Cavani’s finish wasn’t bad! He is a quality striker. We know when we defend well we have got players to win us the game,” United supervisor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer stated.
“The spirit in the camp is good and this will give us a boost going into the Christmas period.”
After a rocky interval that raised questions on Solskjaer’s future following their exit from the Champions League, United have recovered their equilibrium.
They are third within the Premier League and have gained their final three matches in all competitions.
United final lifted silverware after they gained the Europa League in 2017.
Solskjaer, who gained 9 main trophies as a participant with United, took cost at Old Trafford in 2018 and noticed his aspect lose in three semi-finals final time period.
He now has an opportunity to go one higher this season after United have been drawn to face holders City within the final 4.
United have been crushed by City on the identical stage of the competitors final season and Solskjaer stated: “We are in the semi-finals, so we are one step away.
“It is the worst recreation to lose, a semi-final. We are going to do the whole lot we will to get to that recreation in a great state.”
Tottenham and second-tier Brentford will meet in the other semi-final, with the matches to be played over one leg in the week commencing January 4.
Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes were the only United players to retain their places after the 6-2 rout of Leeds at the weekend, with Paul Pogba returning to the starting line-up.
With just two minutes left before a penalty shoot-out, Martial slipped a pass to Cavani, who drove a superb strike past Everton goalkeeper Robin Olsen from the edge of the area.
Martial then slotted home with virtually the last kick.
Cavani’s goal came after he had flicked a hand in Yerry Mina’s face earlier in the match, but there was no VAR available to potentially punish him.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti said: “The guidelines have been that VAR was not on this recreation, if the referee determined that Cavani did not do something fallacious we’ve got to simply accept it. Full cease.”
Alli blasted
Jose Mourinho accused Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli of creating “issues” for his own team during their 3-1 win against Stoke.
Wales forward Gareth Bale made the most of a rare start to put Mourinho’s team ahead at the Bet365 Stadium.
But Alli was at fault when his flamboyant flick was intercepted in the build-up to Jordan Thompson’s equaliser for Stoke.
Alli’s latest mistake drew an angry response on the touchline from Mourinho, who rebuked the star before substituting him minutes later.
Ben Davies put Tottenham back in front with his first goal since 2017 before England captain Harry Kane sealed Spurs’ place in the semi-finals.
But it was Alli’s public dressing-down that took the spotlight, with the England international’s wretched season hitting a new low in his first start since November 26.
Promoted
“Yes, for me a participant that performs in that place is a participant that has to hyperlink and create and to not create issues for his personal crew,” said Mourinho, who has exiled Alli for long periods this season amid talk of a move to Paris Saint-Germain.
“In that state of affairs, an goal counter-attack would most likely finish with a purpose, and it ended with a counter-attack behind our defenders. So sure, I’m upset.”
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