Despite a three-goal lead at the hour mark, Manchester United had to go through penalties to eliminate Coventry on Sunday in the semi-final of the FA Cup in London. The Red Devils have qualified for the final, where they will face Manchester City.
Facing the current eighth in the Championship, United opened the scoring via Scott McTominay (23rd) and had two goals at the break thanks to a goal from Harry Maguire (45th+1). Bruno Fernandes scored a third goal before the hour mark (58th). Coventry then began an unexpected comeback, first reducing the gap via Ellis Simms (71st) then Callum O’Hare (79th). A penalty from the American Haji Wright at the end of added time (90th + 5) then sent the two teams into overtime. United trembled in these additional 30 minutes and thought they conceded a goal from Victor Torp, ultimately refused for offside by the video assistance (120th + 1).
The semi-final was ultimately decided on penalties. Casemiro missed the Red Devils’ first attempt but Coventry’s third and fourth shooters, O’Hare and Ben Sheaf, also failed. On the fifth shot, Rasmus Hojlund did not tremble and sent Manchester United to the final.
The final will take place on May 25 at Wembley. United will try to win a thirteenth cup there but will be opposed to defending champion Manchester City. The team of Kevin De Bruyne and Jérémy Doku dominated Chelsea 1-0 on Saturday in the first semi-final with a goal from Bernardo Silva (84th).
