Following the disappointing Champions League exit on Tuesday, the pressure was on Jose Mourinho to get a result against Brighton on Saturday night.
Manchester United were worthy of their 2-0 win, with the visiting side posing few problems in the first half, before a brighter second-half performance that United managed to contain.
Romelu Lukaku put United ahead in the first half, after his side had largely dominated without doing an awful lot with the ball.
Nemanja Matic wrapped up the win with a late header to book United's place in the semifinals, which was a very much needed boost for the club.
Positives
Lukaku's fantastic goalscoring form of 2018 continues with him finding the back of the net in another important game. He's scored 10 goals and assisted 4 others in the 14 appearances he's made in 2018. Matic's upturn in good form continues with a goal and an assist.
Negatives
Luke Shaw's time at the club has probably come to an end. Having been left out of the team for weeks, he was subbed off at half-time for tactical reasons, and Mourinho voiced his unhappiness with the left-back's performance after the game.
Manager rating out of 10
6 -- Mourinho's team selection was good and he got the desired result. Didn't set the world alight though.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Sergio Romero, 7 -- Made a good save from a powerful Brighton header five minutes into the first half, before making an impressive stop in the second.
DF Antonio Valencia, 6 -- Typical performance from Valencia. Supported the attack and largely did what was asked of him defensively.
DF Eric Bailly, 6 -- Solid at the back but didn't have too much to deal with.
DF Chris Smalling, 6 -- Made an important tackle to deny Jurgen Locadia when one on one with Romero. Had a good chance to give United the lead but his effort hit the post.
DF Luke Shaw, 5 -- Involved in the attack more than the defence down the left wing. Replaced by Ashley Young at half-time.
MF Nemanja Matic, 8 -- Played a perfect ball in to Lukaku to put United ahead, before scoring the goal that put United into the semis. Solid performance from midfield.
MF Scott McTominay, 6 -- In the right place at the right time to scoop the ball away when Brighton were in possession in the six-yard box. Nothing groundbreaking but did his job well.
FW Juan Mata, 6 -- Had United's first good chance of the game after some lovely link up play with Anthony Martial but his attempt was blocked. Always looking to create. Replaced by Marcus Rashford for the last 15 minutes.
FW Jesse Lingard, 5 -- Ran around a lot but wasn't very involved in the game. Replaced in the final minutes by Marouane Fellaini.
FW Anthony Martial, 6 -- Showed some flashes of skill but didn't have a huge impact on the game.
FW Romelu Lukaku, 7 -- Despite a fairly quiet game, Lukaku popped up to put United ahead.
Substitutes
DF Ashley Young, 6 -- Replaced Shaw. Great ball in for Matic's goal.
FW Marcus Rashford, NR -- Came on for Mata. Did a good job on the left and got behind Brighton's defence on several occasions.
MF Marouane Fellaini, NR -- Replaced Lingard for the last few minutes.