Manchester United narrowly escaped a complete collapse by overcoming Coventry City on penalties (4-2) in the FA Cup semifinals at Wembley Stadium, setting up a tantalizing final clash with local rivals Manchester City.
From the onset, United looked to dominate the proceedings under the clear London skies. Erik ten Hag’s side, struggling in the Premier League and out of the Champions League, needed a strong showing.
Goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes initially suggested a straightforward win as they built a comfortable 3-0 lead. However, Coventry, spurred on by their vocal fans and the historical echoes of their 1987 triumph, mounted an incredible comeback.
Coventry’s resurgence in the second half turned the game on its head. Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare penetrated United’s defence to bring the score to 3-2. The drama peaked in the 95th minute when Haji Wright scored from the penalty spot, sending the match into extra time amid scenes of disbelief from the United faithful and jubilant cheers from the Coventry supporters, who were already taunting Ten Hag with chants predicting his sacking.
The match’s intensity didn’t wane in extra time. Both teams had opportunities to seal the game, with Coventry’s Victor Torp and United’s Bruno Fernandes hitting the woodwork. The game seemed poised for a Coventry win when Torp found the net in the final moments, but a VAR review disallowed the goal for an offside, setting the stage for a penalty shootout.
In the shootout, Coventry’s initial advantage, gained through a saved penalty against United’s Casemiro, quickly dissolved. Misses by O’Hare and Ben Sheaf allowed Rasmus Hojlund, the young United striker, to step up and coolly slot home the decisive penalty, ensuring United’s passage to the final.
United’s performance, while eventually successful, highlighted ongoing vulnerabilities as they consistently relinquished leads throughout the season. This match served as a reminder of their current form, with brilliant patches overshadowed by lapses in concentration and defensive errors. Erik ten Hag will have much to ponder, especially with a formidable Manchester City waiting in the FA Cup final.
Coventry’s manager, Mark Robins, despite the loss, can draw pride from his team’s spirited display. Robins, a former FA Cup hero for United himself, has seen his team fade in the Championship play-off race, but the fearless performance against a top-tier team will be a morale boost.
Looking ahead, Manchester United must regroup and refocus if they are to challenge Manchester City, who will be keen to capitalize on any weaknesses shown by Ten Hag’s men. The FA Cup final not only promises to be a clash of titans with local bragging rights at stake but also offers United a chance to salvage a season that has so far been below their lofty standards.
