EFL Cup: United set up Southampton final despite Hull defeat

Despite their 2-1 defeat, Manchester United qualified over Hull City with 3-2 on aggregate after their EFL Cup semi-final second leg tie on Thursday.

The Red devils have thus set up an EFL Cup final showdown against Southampton, who qualified over Liverpool after a thrilling display at Anfield on Wednesday.

Jose Mourinho’s side led 2-0 from the first leg but struggled to impose themselves at the KCOM Stadium, as Pogba’s 66th minute goal gave them the qualification over a hard-fighting Hull.

Tom Huddlestone put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot after Marcos Rojo’s pull on Harry Maguire’s shirt in 35 minutes. Paul Pogba’s goal followed and thrashed the hopes of Hull City. But the home side took the win after Oumar Niasse turned in David Meyler’s cross in the 85th minute.

Read Also: EFL Cup: Southampton stun Liverpool, grab ticket to Wembley

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho congratulated his players after the match, as he looks forward to a showdown with Southampton at the Wembley Stadium.

“Wembley is Wembley, it is for professionals with passion for football. It has a special meaning, a special feeling,” said the United boss.

“I just want to say congratulations to my players. It was a difficult road to be in the final and we are in the final.

“I don’t want to say anything else. It is enough, I am calm, I behaved on the bench, no sending off, no punishment so no more words,” he stated.

Ultimately, the Wembley clash will be between finalists Southampton and Manchester United on February 26, 2017.

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