- Manchester United hold on against a determined Coventry comeback to secure victory on penalties, booking their spot in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on May 25th.
Manchester United scraped through 4-2 on penalties to defeat Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final on Sunday at Wembley. Erik ten Hag’s team were fortunate to progress after disgracefully messing up a three-goal lead to draw 3-3.
United were cruising to a record 22nd FA Cup final thanks to goals by Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
But Coventry, playing in their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, fought back with goals by Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare before Haji Wright stroked home a stoppage-time penalty.
Coventry’s substitute Victor Torp thought he had won it at the death but his goal was disallowed.
Man United came out on top 4-2 in the shootout to advance to the final, with Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund registering after Casemiro had missed his effort.
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Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, speaking to BBC Sport: “It’s mixed feelings. The way we did it isn’t OK.
“We should have managed it better but it’s a huge performance. If you analyse the game we controlled 75 minutes but then allowed them to return into the game.
“I have to give a compliment to the opponent. They believed but we allowed them. We should managed it better.
“I don’t think heads dropped but we had many setbacks and maybe it’s human but it’s not acceptable.
“We have to show resilience. By the end we did show resilience and determination to win the shootout. When you are so in control you should win easy.”
On his mindset: “I am always calm, I focus and know my players can shoot penalties. I’m always confident Andre [Onana] will catch minimum one.
“I was quite convinced but when the first is a mis-hit then you never know.”
On facing Man City in the final: “We have to face the best team in the world but we showed last season that if we execute our plan over 90 minutes we have a chance to win.
“It’s not going to be easy but we have an opportunity and we have to go for it.”