Holders Man United crash out of FA Cup

Last season’s champions of the English FA Cup, Manchester United, have failed to advance to the semi-final stage of the competition.

Chelsea edged past them in their quarter final clash at Stamford Bridge on Monday night.
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The holders, who defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 in the final last year, had just 10 men on the field against a full squad ​of ​Chelsea from the 37th minute of the game as they later conceded an unreplied goal from brilliant N’​G​olo Kante to end their hopes of retaining their title.

Herrera’s dismissal for two fouls on Eden Hazard gave the advantage to the Blues, as their numerical advantage gave them a higher possession of the ball and territories.

“It was a tough game, Manchester United are a good team. But once they had a player sent off it was easier​,” goal scorer Kante said after their victory.​

​The France international and former Leicester City ace netted the winner in the 51st minute when he fired home from 20 yards as Chelsea advance to the last-4 of the competition.

Red Also: FA Cup: Arsenal thrash Lincoln to reach semi-finals

Mourinho was furious when United midfielder Ander Herrera was sent off 10 minutes before half-time after a second foul on Eden Hazard, and the managers were kept apart moments later after Marcos Alonso tumbled to the floor after being brought down.

“I just want to say that I’m really proud of my players and Manchester United fans,” United Boss Jose Mourinho said after the game.

“We have a very important match on Thursday and I want to rest a little bit and prepare as best as we can.”

Manchester United will host Rusian FC Rostov on Thursday in their Europa Cup last-16 second leg, and the Red Devils, who were held to a 1-1 draw in the firstleg, need a win at home to adance to the next round.
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​Antonio Conte’s men have beaten United twice this season, the first meeting at Stamford Bridge ended in humiliation with a 4-0 defeat in October, and now a 1-0 defeat.
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“It was a good performance against a strong team with good players. United has the best squad in the league. For us we must be pleased to go into the next round​,​”​ Conte said after the game.​

​Chelsea ​will now play their ​London rivals Tottenham ​Hotspur, as they were​ drawn against each other​,​ in the FA Cup semi-finals​.

 

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