Former Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson was delighted with the attitude and desire Jose Mourinho’s side showed to beat Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 in their FA Cup semi-final tie on Saturday evening.
An early Dele Alli goal rocked Manchester United at Wembley, but Alexis Sanchez came to the fore when he provided a fine headed finish from a sumptuous Paul Pogba cross to equalise for Mourinho’s men.
And Ander Herrera rose to the occasion in the second half to put in the winner as Manchester United booked their place in the final of the FA Cup for the second time in three years.
Atkinson believes Mourinho got his team selection spot on for the occasion and he was delighted that the Manchester United players responded to the questions being raised about their attitude in big games.
He admits that playing at Wembley helped the side to get their focus back, but the former Manchester United boss was pleased to see the players show the desire and fight to reach the FA Cup final.
relatedNewsStory
Atkinson said on MUTV’s Matchday Review programme: “As soon as we saw the team, no arguments and I think he got it right.
“Attitude was spot on. Once again I want to reiterate, it was not a classic, I have seen better performances from great sides, but it was about mental strength.
“They got a goal down during Tottenham’s best spell and another goal then might have changed it, but they have shown the attitude.
“That is as good an attitude I have seen from this team, a complete reversal from last weekend against West Brom.
“It was a big game and they are playing at Wembley, which looked after itself – the attitude.
“Full marks to the team, they have really scrapped for a place in the final and deserved it.”
Manchester United will equal Arsenal’s record FA Cup haul of 14 if the lift the trophy at Wembley next month.
