The FA Cup semifinal between Manchester United and Coventry City was a battle between David and Goliath. A FA Cup semifinal tie rarely disappoints, and the game was indeed a treat for everyone who was watching it. While the Goliath managed to get the victory this time, Coventry City had almost won the game in the dying minutes of the game.
Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United got a great start and took a comfortable 2-0 lead during half-time. United skipper Bruno Fernandes had seemingly killed the tie by scoring his side’s third goal in the 58th minute. However, Mark Robins’ Coventry City displayed a late resurgence as his team equalized the game in the final twenty minutes of the match.
Despite watching their team lose, look how many Coventry fans stayed behind after their team lost in the FA Cup semi-final 👏👏
pic.twitter.com/PNlfoXFY2t— Second Tier podcast (@secondtierpod) April 21, 2024
With the game going into extra time, Coventry had nearly scripted a remarkable underdog story after Victor Torp scored in the dying second of the game. However, the VAR played spoilsport and disallowed Torp’s goal due to offside. Andre Onana’s heroics in the penalty shootout saved Erik ten Hag’s blushes and sent United to their second consecutive FA Cup final.
Man Utd win the penalty shootout and Antony turns to the Coventry players and cups his ears. Harry Maguire walks across to shake hands with them. The difference in class.
pic.twitter.com/xMpNqErBhp— Footy Humour (@FootyHumour) April 21, 2024
However, after the game, Manchester United forward Antony got a lot of flak for celebrating in the face of Coventry City. Several fans rebuked Antony’s gesture and pointed out how his team had nearly lost against a team which not even play in the top flight. One fan even went to the extent of labeling Antony’s celebrations as “shameless.”
On the other hand, some fans defender Antony by pointing out that the Brazilian winger’s celebration was simply a response to Coventry’s Haji Wright who had celebrated in a similar manner earlier in the game. Lastly, a section of fans also showered praises on United star Harry Maguire who promptly went to shake hands with the Coventry team after winning the FA Cup semifinal tie.
Erik ten Hag is confident ahead of the FA Cup final against Manchester City
Manchester United coach Erik ten Hag appeared confident after his team clinched a spot in the FA Cup final. While most fans believed that Manchester United would get an easy victory against Coventry in the semifinal, the Championship side fought till the last minute and were only defeated on penalties.
Speaking after the match, Ten Hag pointed out the positives. The Dutch coach stated that the fans should be proud that their team has reached two consecutive FA Cup finals in as many years. He refused to call the game an “embarrassment” and talked about the upcoming final where they will face Manchester City.
🚨 Ten Hag: “I want to win the final vs Man City”.
“I’m sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world”.
“This season has had many ups but also many downs. Winning the FA Cup doesn’t make it successful, we want to win more”. pic.twitter.com/O8oxtWvuOy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 21, 2024
Ten Hag said, “I want to win the final vs Man City. I’m sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world.” The former Ajax coach did face Manchester City in the FA Cup final last season. However, Ilkay Gundogan’s brace sealed Manchester City’s victory while Bruno Fernandes scored United’s only goal in the final.
Manchester United legend slams his former club after FA Cup victory
Meanwhile, Manchester United legend Roy Keane didn’t mince his words and blasted his former team’s performance in the FA Cup semifinal. United took a three-goal lead against Coventry City but shockingly threw their advantage in the last twenty minutes. In extra time, Coventry had almost won the match only for the VAR to rule their goal offside.
Never thought I’d say it recently but Roy Keane is SPOT ON here. pic.twitter.com/wWjX5ooak1
— Frank🧠🇳🇱 (fan) (@TenHagEra) April 22, 2024
After United’s narrow win on penalties, Keane appeared frustrated with his former club. He said, “I don’t like what I see from this United team.” The Irish former international criticized Erik ten Hag’s side for lacking leadership and character. Lastly, Keane admitted that during the semifinal, Coventry City looked like a Premier League team and made United look like a Championship side.
