FA Cup: How Manchester United survived Coventry City’s remarkable comeback to reach final

Ayomikun Elemikan Featured, Sports 22/04/2024

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Manchester United needed penalties to beat Coventry City and qualify for the FA Cup final after throwing away a three-goal lead in regulation time.

The Red Devils will face Manchester City in the 2023/24 FA Cup final after edging Coventry City 4-2 on penalties.

Manchester United players celebrate Harry Maguire’s goal against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final. (Image: Harry Maguire on X)

Coventry City players in jubilant mood after Haji Wright scored the equaliser to make it 3-3. (Image: B/R Football on X)

The Championship side came from three goals down to equalise 3-3 at the Wembley in incredible fashion.

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They almost took it a step further when a fourth goal was ruled out by the var in extra time. Had the goal stood, Coventry’s fairytale would have been one of the greatest comebacks ever witnessed in English football history.

A day earlier, United bitter rivals City beat Chelsea 1-0 to also qualify for the final.

After 120 minutes of a spellbound encounter with many entertaining moments, the match was decided on penalties. It was such a fascinating clash – especially after Coventry started scoring – that had everyone’s eyes glued to the TV.

Manchester United exert dominance

The game was looking like a routine victory after United led 2-0 at the break. Scott McTominay scored first with a simple tap-in before Harry Maguire’s expertly taken header extended the lead.

Scott McTominay has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season. Only Rasmus Hojlund (13) & Bruno Fernandes (12) have scored more for Manchester United this campaign. (Image: @StatmanDave on X)

United fans would have been quite assured of a supposed smooth victory when Bruno Fernandes made it three-nil in the second half.

Just when we thought there was nothing spectacular Coventry could do, they proved everyone wrong.

As a matter of fact, when the Red Devils were 3-0 up, a Manchester United fan commented, “do they (Coventry) want to return three goals?”

The comeback began when Ellis Simms turned a cross at the near post into the net in the 71st minute. Eight minutes later, Callum O’Hare’s shot deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka, lifting the ball high before eventually dropping into United’s goal. This obviously sent the Coventry fans’ section of the stadium into an ecstatic, delirious state.

Coventry City stunned Manchester United by coming from three goals down to equalise 3-3 in the FA Cup semi-final. The Sky Blues went on to lose 4-2 on penalties. (Image: B/R Football on X)

Suddenly there was some sort of believe like never before for the Sky Blues’ Faithfuls.

Comeback completed

And then in the third minute of injury time, Aaron Wan-Bissaka handled inside the penalty area. Haji Wright stepped up and sent Andre Onana the wrong way with a brilliantly dispatched spot-kick to make it 3-3.

Thereafter, there was nothing to separate both sides in extra time and the game went into penalties.

Manchester United broke Coventry hearts

Coventry captain Ben Sheaf blasted the crucial kick over the bar before ex-Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund scored to secure victory. United players did not even run around to celebrate but instead went over to shake hands with their opponents, an acknowledgement of their tenacity, mentality and overall brilliance.

Coventry City had an impressive run up to the FA Cup semi-final before losing to Manchester United via penalties. (Image: B/R Football on X)

The second-tier club really proved to be tough for Manchester United even though it seemed like a rollercoaster ride initially. Erik ten Hag’s players were really stretched.

Manchester United and Manchester City will battle for the FA Cup title on May 25.