In the FA Cup semi-finals, Manchester United narrowly advanced to the next round by securing a 4-2 win against Coventry City on penalties, after a fiery match which ended in a 3-3 draw. Coventry City made an impressive comeback by leveling a 3-0 deficit at the 71st minute, compelling the game into overtime in the final stages of regular time, courtesy Haji Wright’s composed penalty shot.
The penalty shootout witnessed a save from Bradley Collins on Casemiro’s first shot, with Wright and Victor Torp taking Coventry into a 2-1 lead thereafter. However, Coventry’s momentum stopped there, with no further goals registered. After Christian Eriksen balanced the scales at 2-2, Andre Onana’s successful dive saved Callum O’Hare’s shot, transforming the tide in favour of United. Coventry’s fate was sealed when their captain, Ben Sheaf, misfired his shot.
Rasmus Hojlund then had the responsibility to send Erik ten Hag’s side into a consecutive Cup final against Manchester City and he didn’t disappoint, cleanly shooting to Collins’ left.
Prior to the stir caused by Coventry, United led the game confidently owing to goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and their captain, signaled by fans with chants of “Bruno, Bruno”. Ten Hag’s side, with its usual flair, could not maintain a three-goal lead against the Championship’s 8th placed team on the heels of their 3-0 defeat by Birmingham.
In an attempt to secure his position, Ten Hag reacted fervently to Bruno Fernandes’ skillfully maneuvered goal. However, the tide soon turned as Ellis Simms scored off a half-volley, which Onana failed to stop. Simms was able to make the most of a clearance headed straight back at United, who also overlooked Fabio Tavares, facilitating a goal for Simms.
Emboldened, Mark Robin’s squad ominously hinted at their manager possibly signalling the end of Ten Hag’s tenure, 34 years following his definitive strike against Nottingham Forest in this same tournament – an action that purportedly spared another United’s top player, Alex Ferguson.
Red devils faced the sting of a swift counter attack again after Coventry launched a break. The breakthrough came when Simms discovered O’Hare and his subsequent shot deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s back, whirling over the isolated Onana and into the net.
United was left scrambling as the Sky Blue onslaught continued, and by the time the 96th minute rolled around, Coventry had unbelievably equalised the match. A cross sailing past Onana’s left post was prodded by Luis Binks, a substitute under Robin’s command, causing the ball to hit Wan-Bissaka’s right arm.
Referee Robert Jones awarded the penalty, his decision upheld by VAR, and Wright calmly tricked Onana, steering the penalty to his left and leaving the Cameroonian defeated.
-Guardian