Manchester United made their way to Wembley to take on Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup.
Amidst a very poor and underwhelming campaign, the FA Cup represents United’s last chance of clinching some silverware and somewhat salvaging the campaign.
Erik ten Hag made just one change from the team that managed the 2-2 draw against Bournemouth last weekend, with Scott McTominay coming into the team for the injured Willy Kambwala.
Andre Onana was named in goal with a defensive four of Diogo Dalot, Casemiro, Harry Maguire and Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of him.
Kobbie Mainoo, McTominay and Bruno Fernandes formed the midfield trio. Rasmus Hojlund led the line with Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho flanking him on either side. Here are three things we learned as Manchester United beat Coventry on penalties to advance to FA Cup final.
Dominant first-half performance from United
United were easily the better side in the opening 45 minutes and got their reward by heading into the break 2-0 up courtesy of goals from McTominay and Maguire.
For United’s opener, McTominay made a darting run towards the Coventry goal to easily tap in a sublime low cross from Dalot.
Maguire doubled the lead seconds before the interval when he rose the highest to connect with a cross. He expertly headed it into the back of the net to give the Red Devils a comfortable lead and to give them control of the tie.
Beyond the two goals, Ten Hag’s men had the lion’s share of possession – 66% to Coventry’s 34%. The midfield of Mainoo and Fernandes did well in controlling the tempo and helping to pin the Championship outfit to their own half.
Coventry mostly stayed back to limit United but even then, the likes of Garnacho and Rashford still managed to get some joy on the wings. Even Hojlund, while he didn’t get on the score sheet, was a problem for their defenders and caused havoc inside the box.
United fired 11 shots in the first half and only conceded one – a nice change from what fans have frequently been treated to by the Ten Hag and his players.
Onana barely had anything to do and was barely called into action. The defensive pairing of Maguire and Casemiro did well and any little threat generated by Haji Wright and Ellis Simms was firmly dealt with.
No doubt Ten Hag would have been pleased with what he saw, especially considering he was missing a number of his key players.
Maguire and McTominay still have a role to play in this team despite reservations about them
Against Mark Robins’ side, Maguire and McTominay proved they still have a role to play at United despite reservations fans may harbour about the pair.
They were both close to leaving Old Trafford last summer after West Ham tabled bids for them. United were thought to be keen on parting ways but it never got over the line.
Their future remains uncertain even as they continue to be linked with moves away from the club. However, it’s clear the two can still offer something.
McTominay has proven to be a goal threat for the 20-time English champions, during a campaign in which the forwards have struggled to consistently make an impact. The Scotland international is now up to double figures across all competitions this term. More significantly, some of his goals have been very clutch for United and have secured the club results when it seemed unlikely.
Meanwhile, Maguire’s availability has proven to be a blessing for Ten Hag. At the moment, the Englishman is the only fit and available centre-back on the ranks available for selection, with others like Lisandro Martinez, Jonny Evans, Raphael Varane and Kambwala all sidelined while recovering from their respective physical setbacks.
Maguire played a large part of the Bournemouth game in pain but he did well and managed to still make it against Coventry. During extra time, Maguire pushed forward to offer United an aerial presence from crosses. In instances, he also drove up the pitch with the ball in an effort to make things happen.
McTominay and Maguire can still contribute to United even if they’re retained beyond the upcoming transfer window. Albeit not as guaranteed starters, they can bring something different from the bench or as quality rotation options.
United’s mental fragility on show once again
United thought they had sealed their victory when Fernandes slotted in the third just before the hour mark.
However, a determined Coventry side rallied back and cut down United’s lead via Simms, who beat Onana as he guided the ball into the bottom-right corner. The former Everton prospect was billed to be Coventry’s danger man and he came up with the goods.
Coventry added to United’s worries when they got a second, this time when a shot from O’Hare took a deflection to loop up over Onana, who had no chance to keep the effort out.
United couldn’t hold on and a rejuvenated Coventry restored parity through Wright who equalised from the spot-kick. Wan-Bissaka gave away a reckless penalty as he was judged to have handled the ball inside his own box.
This season, Ten Hag’s the Reds have been slammed for their mental fragility and losing concentration when the odds are stacked against them. This was on full display at Wembley as they capitulated in extraordinary fashion.
United got too complacent and were ruthlessly punished for it by Coventry, who smelled blood and fully took advantage. It was yet another case of the team crumbling under pressure. The players looked well and truly shaken and didn’t at all respond to adversity.
United still within grasp of rescuing their season
Coventry almost broke the hearts of all United fans when they grabbed the winner with just seconds of extra time left on the clock.
However, their goal was ruled off due to an offside decision and both sides had to settle it in a penalty shootout.
Onana was the hero as he saved one penalty shot before Rasmus Hojlund’s final kick sent United through to the final, where they will face Manchester City later in May.
United are still on track to somewhat save their season. However, it shouldn’t excuse the performance and capitulation that was witnessed against Coventry. Several questions still need to be answered and heads must surely roll.
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