Manchester United’s rollercoaster season took another dramatic turn as they overcame a stunning collapse to defeat Coventry City 4-2 on penalties in an FA Cup semi-final classic.
Erik ten Hag’s side cruised to a 3-0 lead at Wembley Stadium, with goals from Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire, and Bruno Fernandes. However, Coventry staged a remarkable comeback, with Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare, and Haji Wright scoring to level the match at 3-3 in the 95th minute.
The second half saw a complete reversal of fortunes. Coventry, who had struggled to create chances in the first half, suddenly found their rhythm. Simms pulled one back in the 71st minute, and O’Hare equalized in the 79th minute.
As extra time approached, Coventry’s momentum continued to grow. Victor Torp forced a sharp save from United goalkeeper Andre Onana, and Wright converted a penalty in the dying seconds to send the match into extra time.
In extra time, both teams had chances to win it. Fernandes rattled the crossbar, while Simms hit the underside of the crossbar. Coventry thought they had won it in the final seconds, but VAR ruled out Torp’s goal for offside.
The penalty shootout proved to be a tense affair. Casemiro’s weak penalty was saved by Coventry goalkeeper Bradley Collins, but O’Hare and Ben Sheaf missed their spot-kicks. Rasmus Hojlund stepped up to take the decisive penalty and sent United through to the final.
Manchester City await United in the final, after they defeated Chelsea 1-0 in the other semi-final. It will be a repeat of last year’s final, which City won 1-0.
