Chris Smalling believes Manchester United can flourish in this week’s “massive” matches if they can replicate the display that kept their FA Cup dreams alive.
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The Blues will discover the identity of their opponents this evening when the semi-final draw will be made.
The semi final ties will be played on the weekend of 23-24 April, with dates and kick-off times to be confirmed.
In the other semi-final, Everton, who handed Chelsea a 2-0 defeat in the last eight on Saturday, await the victor of a replay between troubled Manchester United and in-form West Ham at Upton Park.
To England and quarter-final action from the F.A. cup as Manchester United hosted West Ham.
Dimitri Payet’s stunning free kick had given West Ham the lead in the second half, though United’s Anthony Martial struck late on to deny Slaven Bilic’s side the win.
Van Gaal admitted that West Ham started the game with more intensity, but his side slowly took control and capitalized on what was a disappointing week to come away with a draw.
West Ham had an appeal for a penalty rejected after Dimitri Payet appeared to be brought down by Marcos Rojo, but referee Martin Atkinson ignored the appeals.
Daley Blind lost the loanee as the cross came in, with the defender relieved to see a weak header caught by David de Gea.
Louis van Gaal’s side eased past the Toffees 3-0 at Goodison Park in October, though Everton were undoubtedly affected by the passing of former manager Howard Kendall earlier that day.
Presented with a free-kick 30 yards from goal, the former Marseille man curled the ball superbly past De Gea and in off a post to claim his 11th goal of a memorable season and set West Ham en route to Wembley. “It is definitely not a dive”.
“At Old Trafford, it is very hard for opponents to play with 75,000 fans and this atmosphere”.
“We have got massive games now and, obviously, it is another game with the replay as well, so we’ve still got a lot of games to play for”. I think if they’re not going to give a penalty, then it has got to be diving, really, hasn’t it?
“I said that after the game against Liverpool and now it’s the same”.
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“In the second half we were the better team, they scored a free-kick, we are behind and have also played against WBA and Liverpool this week and lost”.
