Manchester United battled to a 2-0 win over Brighton to reach the FA Cup semifinals.

Romelu Lukaku headed in a first-half cross from Nemanja Matic, who sealed victory late on when he nodded in Ashley Young's free-kick.

Victory maintained realistic United hopes of a trophy after Tuesday's Champions League elimination by Sevilla, as well as their record of not having conceded a goal in this season's FA Cup.

Matic said: "It was difficult for us after the defeat against Sevilla, of course we were very sad after the game. It was important to see a reaction today and we're through to the next round and we're happy.

"1-0 is always dangerous because they are a good team and can punish us from every mistake. It was important to score the second and that's what we did.

"When you play for Manchester United, the supporters always expect you to win trophies and I hope we're ready to win the FA Cup which is an important trophy in England."

Lukaku added: "The loss was very difficult for us, now we have to look forward and earn second and go all in for the FA Cup."