X reacts as Man Utd edge past Coventry on penalties in FA Cup semi-final classic

X reacts as Man Utd edge past Coventry on penalties in FA Cup semi-final classic

byFootballBOAST Published on
  • Man Utd emerged victorious on spot kicks with score 3-3 after extra-time
  • Coventry can hold their heads high following impressive second half display
  • Erik ten Hag's side will face Man City for chance to lift silverware
Man Utd made hard work of their semi final clash at Wembley
Man Utd made hard work of their semi final clash at Wembley / Richard Heathcote/GettyImages

It will be an all-Manchester FA Cup final as Erik ten Hag's United just about edged past Championship outfit Coventry City on Sunday afternoon having at one stage been three goals to the good.

Manchester City await the Red Devils in a repeat of last year's final, with United just about advancing at the end of an enthralling semi-final.

In the 23rd minute, United broke the deadlock. Scott McTominay found himself perfectly positioned to break the deadlock, capitalising on Diogo Dalot's precise delivery with a clinical finish after a formidable run into the box.

Simms came tantalisingly close to replicating McTominay's goal as Josh Eccles executed a superb run down the right flank and delivered a menacing cross into the United area. Coventry fans held their breath, anticipating the net to bulge, but Dalot thwarted their hopes with a remarkable last-ditch clearance, preserving his side's lead.

On the stroke of half-time, Bradley Collins pulled off a fine save, tipping over a thunderous shot from Rashford. However, from the ensuing corner, Harry Maguire effortlessly doubled United's advantage.

Before the hour mark, United dominated the scoreboard with a commanding 3-0 lead. Just as Coventry started to show signs of resurgence, Bruno Fernandes managed to find the back of the net with the assistance of a wicked deflection.

United came agonisingly close to grabbing a fourth goal, with Maguire poised to secure his second of the match, as Casemiro - left unattended at the back post - nodded a free kick back across the face of the goal. Alejandro Garnacho's attempt towards the goal fell fortuitously for Maguire, but his close-range effort ended up being spooned over the bar.

Coventry caught a glimpse of the United goal in the 68th minute when Callum O'Hare managed to connect his head to a cross from the right. However, his effort went over the bar, failing to trouble stopper Andre Onana.

Buoyed by the earlier opportunity, Coventry found the back of the net moments later, with Simms sweeping substitute Fabio Tavares' cross past Onana at the near post, narrowing the scoreline to 3-1.

And in a dramatic turn of events, the scoreline tightened to 3-2 with just under 10 minutes remaining in normal time as O'Hare's shot deflected wildly, arcing over Onana and finding the back of the net in a moment of sheer unpredictability.

Mark Robins' men were inches away from a stunning equaliser as Victor Torp unleashed a sharp volley, only to be thwarted by an equally impressive save from Onana.

And the full-time whistle couldn't arrive soon enough for Ten Hag and his men, as Coventry seemed to conjure up chances every time they ventured forward.

Much to their delight of their supporters, Coventry accomplished the most astonishing of comebacks as Haji Wright confidently dispatched a penalty, sending Onana the wrong way, following a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the area.

Extra time would follow.

In the fourth minute of extra time, the bar was rattled as Fernandes gained possession at the top of the box. Wright then embarked on a swift counter, breezing past Casemiro before unfortunately running the ball out of play.

For the remainder of the first half of extra time, both teams seized the chance to regroup and played astute football, with penalties looming as the likely decider of this contest.

As the second half of extra time commenced, Coventry asserted their presence, taking control of possession and launching attacks against the United defence.

And Wright was a whisker away from putting Coventry in the ascendancy, unfortunate not to get a cleaner connection on the ball with Onana appearing well beaten.

Next, Simms had Coventry fans on the edge of their seats as he rattled the woodwork from close range, showcasing his strength to unleash the shot.

Nearly everyone inside Wembley thought Coventry had won in the 121st minute as Torp slid the ball past Onana but VAR came to United's rescue as Wright was adjudged to be offside in the build up to the goal.

Up next, penalties.

Casemiro first up... SAVED! A poor penalty, a terrible start for United.

Wright steps up... SCORES! Advantage, Coventry.

Dalot... SCORES! United off the mark with a hop, skip, and a jump from their defender.

Torp... SCORES! This goal one will count, a magnificent spot kick.

Eriksen... SCORES! A cool penalty.

O'Hare... SAVED! Onana with a big hand to deny Coventry's number 10.

Fernandes... SCORES! Never in doubt really.

Sheaf... OVER! Lifts the ball well over the woodwork.

Hojlund... SCORES! Absent all game but ultimately fires United into the final.


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