In a pulsating FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley Stadium, Manchester United battled past a resilient Coventry City side to secure their place in a record-breaking 22nd FA Cup final. The Red Devils emerged victorious after a dramatic 4-2 penalty shootout win following a thrilling encounter that saw both teams showcase their attacking prowess.
The match began with Coventry City boss Mark Robins facing off against his former club, knowing that a victory for his side could heap further scrutiny on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag. However, it was Manchester United who made the brighter start, with Scott McTominay opening the scoring in the 20th minute. The midfielder capitalized on a pinpoint cross from Diogo Dalot to slot the ball into an empty net, registering his 10th goal of the season and giving United an early lead.
Despite Coventry’s efforts to respond, it was Manchester United who doubled their advantage just before halftime. Captain Harry Maguire rose highest to power home a header from a Bruno Fernandes corner, extending United’s lead and giving them a stranglehold on the contest going into the break.
After the interval, Manchester United continued to assert their dominance, with Fernandes adding his name to the scoresheet with a deflected strike that found its way past Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins. However, Coventry City refused to back down and mounted a spirited comeback, with Ellis Simms reducing the deficit with a superb first-time finish from a Fábio Tavares cross.
The Sky Blues further narrowed the gap with a long-range effort from Callum O’Hare that took a wicked deflection off Aaron Wan-Bissaka before finding the back of the net. As the clock ticked towards full time, Coventry completed their remarkable comeback when Wan-Bissaka was penalized for handball, allowing Haji Wright to confidently convert the resulting penalty and send the match into extra time.
Extra time saw both teams push for a winner, with chances falling at both ends of the pitch. Manchester United thought they had secured victory when Victor Torp slotted home from close range, but the goal was disallowed for offside, keeping Coventry’s hopes alive. With neither side able to find a breakthrough, the match was ultimately decided by a tense penalty shootout.
In the shootout, both teams displayed nerves of steel, converting their spot-kicks with precision. However, it was Manchester United who emerged triumphant when Coventry’s Ben Sheaf blazed his penalty over the bar, paving the way for Rasmus Højlund to seal United’s victory with a clinical finish from the spot.
The victory sees Manchester United progress to their second consecutive FA Cup final, where they will face off against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. With memories of last year’s final defeat fresh in their minds, Manchester United will be determined to secure victory and lift the prestigious FA Cup trophy once again.
