In the FA Cup semi-final, United entered as huge favourites over Coventry, and after going ahead in the clash, it looked like they would cruise to victory and begin planning for the final in a few weeks time. However, a late comeback for Cov meant that the final period of the game produced full blown chaos, as United almost threw away the win, were fortunate for a late VAR saviour and had to take the game to penalties.

In what turned out to be one of the most baffling FA Cup ties ever, United reach the final, but it felt like a defeat.

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Teams

Coventry City: Collins, Bidwell (Dasilva 80′), Kitching (Binks 63′), Latibeaudiere (Torp 63′), Thomas, Van Ewijk, Wright, Sheaf, Eccles (Tavares 63′ – Godden 106′), O’Hare, Simms

Subs: Wilson, Allen, Andrews, Kelly

Manchester United: Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Maguire, Casemiro, Dalot, Mainoo (Forson 103′), McTominay (Eriksen 72′), Rashford (Amad 90′), Fernandes, Garnacho (Antony 66′), Hojlund

Subs: Bayindir, Ogunneye, Amass, Jackson, Wheatley

Coventry City (2)3-3(4) Manchester United

Coventry City and Manchester United served up a Wembley classic, drawing 3–3 in a breathless FA Cup semi-final that will live long in the memory. United looked to be cruising into the final after a commanding first hour, with Scott McTominay finishing off a sweeping move and Harry Maguire heading in from a corner to give Erik ten Hag’s side a comfortable 2–0 lead at the break. When Bruno Fernandes’ deflected strike made it 3–0, the result seemed all but settled.

But Coventry, backed by a thunderous Sky Blues end, produced a comeback of remarkable spirit. Ellis Simms sparked the revival with a sharp finish from close range, and Callum O’Hare’s looping, deflected effort set hearts racing. Mark Robins’ side refused to let the moment fade, and deep into stoppage time they were rewarded: a handball in the box gave Haji Wright the chance to level, and he slammed home the penalty to complete an astonishing turnaround and send Wembley into delirium.

Extra-time brought drama of its own, with both sides tiring but trading blows. Coventry thought they had sealed a fairy-tale win when Victor Torp swept in a late winner, only for VAR to intervene for a razor-thin offside in the build-up. The semi-final ultimately went to penalties, where United edged through, but even in defeat, Coventry’s fightback stood as one of the great modern FA Cup stories, a reminder of why this competition still captures the imagination.

Talking Points

Manchester United may have sealed their place in the FA Cup final, but this was very much a victory that didn’t feel like a win. After storming into a 3–0 lead, United completely lost control, allowing Coventry City to produce one of the most extraordinary comebacks the competition has ever seen. By the time the final whistle blew in extra-time, United players wore the look of a side who had escaped rather than triumphed, their relief unmistakable as Coventry’s heroic late surge pushed them all the way to penalties.

A huge part of that escape came thanks to a late slice of VAR fortune. Coventry’s would-be winning goal in extra-time, sweetly struck by Victor Torp, sent the Sky Blues’ end into raptures, only for technology to intervene. A marginal offside in the buildup ruled the goal out by the thinnest of margins, sparing United from what would have been a seismic FA Cup shock. It was the sort of moment that shifts the mood of an entire match, and while United took advantage in the shoot-out, they knew just how close they had come to disaster.

Still, for all the unease surrounding their performance, United are heading back to Wembley for the final, and that alone brings its own sense of occasion. Waiting for them are Manchester City, setting up a second successive all-Manchester FA Cup showdown. United will need to rediscover control, composure, and a great deal more conviction if they’re to trouble Pep Guardiola’s side, but for now, they can at least say they’re there. The manner of their semi-final escape may leave questions lingering, yet a cup final is a cup final, and United have one more chance to finish their season with silverware.