"Matic the main man" Nemanja Matic became goal-taker as well as goal-maker to ensure Manchester United's somewhat stuttering passage through to next month's semi-final at Wembley. But equally important to this latest below-par performance by Mourinho's under-performers was the contribution of Sergio Romero who twice kept out the Brighton battlers left to face the long journey back south knowing they were more than a tad unlucky on the night. The early exchanges saw the home side press forward with little conviction and only Juan Mata with a close-range effort blocked and Chris Smalling who clipped the upright from a corner causing the visitors any concern. Indeed Brighton could have taken a shock lead but Romero was alert to push away a Lewis Dunk header from a corner having found acres of space in the box. But with the half looking to certain to end goalless, up popped Romelu Lukaku to head home a delightful Matic cross at the far post. Any thoughts that the second period would bring a more positive approach to command proceedings and kill off the game were quickly dispelled as the south coast side took control. Romero was forced to save brilliantly from Jurgen Locadia and the same player headed over as it looked like another nervy finale was in sight. Fortunately, the game was finally settled when an Ashley Young free-kick was met by a firm downward header from Matic to see the Reds over the line with just seven minutes remaining. Even Mourinho had to concede his side hadn't performed up to standard and was scathing in his condemnation of certain players whose form has dropped markedly in the last few weeks. But the season remains alive at least for another month after the crushing setback against Sevilla earlier in the week. Commentary by Lew Fink