Manchester United will face Southampton in the 2017 EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Sunday, February 26, after securing a 3-2 aggregate victory over Hull City on Thursday night.

Despite losing 2-1 to The Tigers in the semi-final second leg at the KCOM Stadium, ending their 17-match unbeaten run in all competitions, The Red Devils advanced to set up a clash with the Saints – who defeated United’s rivals Liverpool (Agg 2-0).

Holding a 2-0 first leg advantage heading into last night’s tie, a much-changed Hull side took the lead through Tom Huddlestone, with the midfielder tucking away a 35th minute penalty after Marcos Rojo was seemingly adjudged to pull back Harry Maguire’s shirt.

World record signing, Paul Pogba, equalised for the visitors after 66 minutes, poking the ball home to seemingly seal United’s spot in the League Cup final.

However, loan signing Oumar Niasse restored The Tigers’ lead with just five minutes remaining to set up a tense finale.

But Mourinho’s men held on to advance to their first League Cup final since 2010, when they defeated Aston Villa 2-1.

But what did we learn from the decisive semi-final second leg match? Here is three things Shoot! learned…

Mourinho’s in denial

Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

The Manchester United manager suggested his side were “still unbeaten” after refusing to recognise Hull’s penalty on the night.

Despite winning the two-legged tie overall, the ‘Special One’ was not impressed with referee Jon Moss’ decision to award The Tigers a first-half penalty for Rojo’s tug on Maguire.

Speaking after the match, Mourinho said, “We didn’t lose. It was 1-1. I only saw two goals.

“I saw a Pogba goal and their goal, a fantastic goal. It was 1-1, we are still unbeaten. I think 18 matches unbeaten is amazing.”

He added, “I didn’t see Hull’s first goal. We celebrate, we are in the final. I don’t want to speak about the penalty or the performance.

“The game was in our pocket, under our control, and something happened to open the game.

“The game was dead. The game was what we wanted it to be. I don’t want to say anything else, it is enough.

“I am calm. I behaved on the bench. No sending off, no punishment, so no more words.”

Okay Jose! Whatever you say.

Hull could have been finalists

The Tigers could, and should, have advanced to the 2017 EFL Cup final – instead of United.

Yes, of course, The Red Devils won the overall tie 3-2 on aggregate. But, Thursday night’s 2-1 victory over Mourinho’s men would have left some Hull fans thinking, ‘What if..?’.

Manager Marco Silva made seven changes yesterday; handing starts to the likes of David Marshall, Josh Tymon, David Meyler and Shaun Maloney, whilst starting 20-year-old Jarrod Bowen up front, handing Oumar Niasse his debut and introducing fellow loanee Lazar Markovic off the bench.

In regards to the result, Hull did magnificently to arguably be the better team on the night and win the second leg 2-1.

But, what if Silva fielded his strongest XI? We’ll never know now. They only needed one goal to force extra-time.

And if they found another, they would be meeting Southampton in the League Cup final – for what would of been just their second domestic cup final in their 113-year history.

Yes, fending off relegation is Silva and Hull’s top priority this term, of course. However, the buzz of being in a cup final could have given The Tigers great optimism and momentum for the remainder of the 2016-17 season.

Opportunity wasted.

No Snodgrass, No Worries…

The Hull City star has been the club’s standout player so far this term, despite The Tigers sitting 19th in the Premier League table, having scored nine goals and providing four assists in all competitions.

However, the Scotland international is poised to seal a £10m move to West Ham United before the close of the January transfer window.

Despite being an integral part of the Hull side; one where Silva’s men would almost be undoubtedly rock-bottom of the league table and further adrift of safety if they didn’t benefit from Snodgrass’ form, Thursday’s second leg victory should provide fans with plenty of confidence that there is lift after Snodgrass and that Hull can preserve their Premier League status without the winger.

The Scot’s expected £10m transfer fee should help boss Silva strengthen the squad overall, with 16 league games remaining of the 2016-17 campaign to keep the club afloat in the top-flight.