Hull City's historic run in the League Cup could not quite find its fairy tale ending, but Marco Silva's side came up short knowing they could have done little more. A first-half penalty from Tom Huddlestone and an 85th-minute finish from Oumar Niasse gave the Tigers a first win over Manchester United since 1974, but it was Paul Pogba's goal sandwiched in between that ensured it was Jose Mourinho's men that are planning for Wembley next month.
Just to have run Manchester United this close deserved credit for a side missing 11 senior professionals. This should go down as a heroic failure.
Positives
There was a nervousness that greeted Silva's unusual team selection, a fear that the second leg could become a procession. In the end it was anything but. A whole-hearted performance gave United a scare and preyed on their complacency.
It was never quite enough to really quicken the pulse of Mourinho, but the manner of this semifinal defeat ought to give the Tigers confidence for the run-in. Harry Maguire and Huddlestone excelled again, while youngsters Jarrod Bowen and Josh Tymon could both hold their heads high against such illustrious opposition.
Negatives
For all Hull's efforts, United's grip on the semifinal could not be relinquished. Marouane Fellaini's late header at Old Trafford 16 nights earlier had given them a comfort blanket that could not be fully stripped away, especially after Pogba netted midway through the second half.
Silva might wonder what might have happened had he started with his big guns. The most disappointing aspect of the evening came in the stands. Just over 13,000 Hull City fans were in attendance for the club's first League Cup semifinal on home soil, underlining the disenchantment that has taken hold.
Manager rating out of 10
7 -- City fans are yet to see Silva get it wrong after three weeks in charge and even the seven changes made from the weekend defeat to Chelsea almost pulled off a remarkable win. Players are following his every word.
Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK David Marshall, 7 -- A first start under Silva and cause to be pleased. Nothing he could do to keep out Pogba's equaliser but a low save to deny Zlatan Ibrahimovic on the break late in the first half was excellent.
DF David Meyler, 6 -- Showed his versatility again to deputise at right-back and produced a brilliant cross for Niasse to make it 2-1. Not always comfortable with Marcus Rashford's pace but a faultless attitude.
DF Harry Maguire, 8 -- The Premier League is starting to take note of City's unlikely hero. Not only was he confident in his defensive duties, he launched countless attacks with advances out of the back. The man of the moment.
DF Michael Dawson, 7 -- Almost the unlikely scorer of the opening goal when denied the chance to shoot by Chris Smalling's outstanding challenge. Showed his experience in marshalling a makeshift back four to keep Ibrahimovic quiet.
DF Josh Tymon, 7 -- Hard to remember that City's left-back is just 17 on nights like these. Played with immense maturity, just as he did in the first leg at Old Trafford and never really troubled by United down his flank.
MF Sam Clucas, 7 -- If United's midfield was lethargic, City had a pulse thanks to the industry of Clucas. Terrific work rate in the middle of the park, chasing down his opponents but also using possession wisely.
MF Tom Huddlestone, 8 -- Unfortunate to see his attempts to clear fall straight to Pogba, but it shouldn't detract from another big performance from the in-form midfielder. Stroked in the penalty that juiced up the tie.
MF Jarrod Bowen, 6 -- Only a second-ever senior start for the 20-year-old and deserved the ovation from home supporters when withdrawn early in the second half. No fear up against United, passing the test of mental strength.
MF Shaun Maloney, 6 -- Finally given a chance in a season that has yet to really begin and provided Silva with reasons not to discard his talents. Neat on the ball and linked up play nicely. A decent effort given his rustiness.
MF Adama Diomande, 6 -- Never likely to be the most technically gifted player, but in performances like these he has a role to play. Unsettled his opponents through hard work and physicality, albeit without an end product.
FW Oumar Niasse, 7 -- If eyebrows were raised when a loan deal was struck for the Everton outcast, a full debut went some way to silencing his sceptics. Caused problems and hit the bar before he netted from close range.
Substitutes
MF Lazar Markovic, 6 -- A first glimpse of the loan signing from Liverpool included a lovely pass to set the winning goal in motion.
MF Evandro, N/A -- Came on just before Pogba's decisive goal and couldn't rescue the tie.
FW Abel Hernandez, N/A -- Silva might regret not starting his star striker given the way the game went.