+18 | Play Responsibly | T&C's Apply | Commercial Content | Publishing Principles
20240421 Erik ten Hag(C)Getty Images

'We got away with it' - Erik ten Hag admits Man Utd 'let themselves down' as they avoided complete humiliation against plucky Coventry with fortunate FA Cup semi-final shootout victory

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

  • Man Utd dropped three-goal lead to Coventry
  • Won the match on penalties after extra-time drama
  • Will face Man City in the FA Cup final on May 25
  • Coventry Man Utd 2023-24Getty Images

    WHAT HAPPENED?

    Bruno Fernandes' 58th-minute goal gave Man Utd their third goal of the evening and almost sent the Red Devils on their way. However, a late fight from the Championship side took the game to extra-time at Wembley. In the 123rd minute of extra time, Coventry scored their fourth goal of the night, however, the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside. In the shootout, Callum O'Hare and Ben Sheaf missed their spot kicks and gave the Red Devils the right of passage to the FA Cup final.

  • Advertisement
  • WHAT TEN HAG SAID

    Speaking after the match, Ten Hag said [via The Athletic]: "We have to do better in such occasions but the difficult thing to do is put ourselves in a winning position, the last thing is much easier. On several occasions, we let ourselves down and let the result slip away but we got away with it.

    "So mixed feelings is clear. It's a huge achievement to be twice in an FA Cup final in two years. In the last 20 years, United was in five times. Now two times in two years, a huge achievement.

    "But when you are so in control in a game, dominating, you should bring it over the finish. The way we did was not good. From the 70th minute to the end, we made mistakes and it shouldn't have happened."

  • Jim-Ratcliffe(C)GettyImages

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    The match pretty much summarised the inconsistencies of the season for the Dutchman's side as they struggled to get the result across the line. The former Ajax manager's job has been under threat this season and the 54-year-old could very well be on his way out of Old Trafford as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has not backed the Dutchman publicly to keep his job for next season.

  • ENJOYED THIS STORY?

    Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

  • WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

    The Dutchman's side will now take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final on May 25 at Wembley Stadium. Before that, they will complete their Premier League campaign as they keep on their hunt for European football next season.

0