Manchester United squeezed into the final of The FA Cup on Sunday with a win over Championship side Coventry City at Wembley, after a penalty shootout – following 120 minutes of incredible drama.
Manchester United strolled to a 3-0 lead early on, with Scott McTominay scoring the opener with a tap-in. Harry Maguire then powered a header into the bottom corner to double United’s lead at Wembley.
A third managed to find its way home when Bruno Fernandes’ left-footed shot rolled into the back of the net. But the drama had not started and back came Coventry to take the game incredibly into extra time.
Ellis Swims swivelled superbly on a cross played behind him to get the first of three back for Coventry, as the tide swung in favour of Mark Robins’ side. Callum O’Hare’s shot then deflected in from 25 yards.
The comeback was complete deep in injury time when Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled the ball and Haji Wright duly delivered, sending Andre Onana the wrong way. Extra time was up next for both sets of players.
Coventry thought they won it in the 121st minute, but Victor Torp’s goal was ruled offside, with USA star Haji Wright breaking the line earlier in the move. It went to penalties, and United prevailed – finally.
Casemiro missed his with a lacklustre effort, much like his recent form in a United shirt. But both O’Hare and then Ben Sheaf missed their penalties, and United got themselves a final with rivals Man City.
So, a win and a final for Erik ten Hag, but the pressure has ramped up on him even more. Indeed, the win was about as bad as it gets for ten Hag, without actually being knocked out. Antony didn’t help, either.
Not a particularly liked character among football fans for his constant gamesmanship and arguing with officials, and a possible sale at Old Trafford in the summer – Antony decided to goad the Coventry stars.
Misreading the situation quite enormously, after his side had squeezed through on penalties against a team a division below them – the 66th-minute sub cupped his ears at Coventry’s players after United won.
The Telegraph’s Jason Burt confirmed as much on his Twitter account immediately after the match, questioning the Brazil winger’s temperament and decision to do what he did. Coventry, very unlucky.
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