Coventry 3 (2) - Manchester United 3 (4): 5 Hits and Flops as Red Devils escape on penalties to reach final | FA Cup 2023-24

Manchester United squandered a three-goal advantage and had to rely on penalties to beat Championship side Coventry City to advance to the FA Cup final on Sunday, April 21.

Coming into the game, the Red Devils were wrecked by injuries. The likes of Mason Mount, Sofyan Amrabat, and Willy Kambvala were added to their growing injury list. With just one fit central defender in Harry Maguire available, Erik ten Hag was forced to play Casemiro alongside the Englishman for the vital fixture.

Manchester United started well and took the lead in the 23rd minute through Scott McTominay. The Scotland international tapped home Diogo Dalot's fizzing ball across the box to make it 1-0.

They grew more comfortable as the half proceeded, doubling their advantage in stoppage time. Maguire powered home a cross from Bruno Fernandes to make Coventry's hopes of a comeback more difficult.

It was more of the same to begin the second half as the Premier League side continued to dominate the affair. Fernandes made it 3-0 for Manchester United with a left-footed effort that deflected off a defender to put the result to bed in the 58th minute.

The Robins showed some life in the 71st minute. Striker Ellis Simms met a cross from substitute Fabio Tavares on half-volley to make it 3-1. The Championship side began to pick up some momentum in the affair and got their second in the 79th minute. Simms was involved again, finding Callum O'Hare whose shot deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka and looped into the goal, leaving Onana rooted to the spot.

With the tides firmly in their favor, Coventry pressed hard for an equaliser to stun Manchester United. They received a golden opportunity in stoppage time, earning a penalty after Wan-Bissaka was punished for a handball. Striker Haji Wright stepped up and converted from the spot to make it 3-3 and send it to extra time.

It continued to be an end-to-end affair in the additional 30 minutes with Fernandes and Simms hitting the post for their respective sides. Coventry thought they had won it with a goal in the 120th minute, sending their fans into raptures. However, it was eventually disallowed for a marginal offside as the game went to penalties.

Casemiro missed the first kick for Manchester United but the rest of his teammates held their nerve. On the other end, O'Hare and Ben Sheaf failed to score as Ten Hag's side narrowly escaped an embarrassing defeat to proceed to the finals.

Here are five hits and flops from the game:

#5. Hit - Ellis Simms

The Coventry forward was the pick of the side's attackers, making tireless runs, and was involved in all of their pursuits for a goal. He finished smartly with a half-volley to open the scoring before bagging an assist for the side's second. He finished with three shots (two on target), four passes into the final third, and one chance created.

#4. Flop - Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Being deployed in an unnatural position on the left flank again, Wan-Bissaka had a game to forget for Manchester United. He looked nervous when Coventry attacked down the flank and ended up deflecting in the second goal as well as conceding the penalty.

#3. Hit - Harry Maguire

Being Manchester United's only fit center-half on the day, Maguire had a good outing despite the side conceding three goals. He scored a typically powerful header and caused some issues with his ball-carrying ability. He finished with six clearances, two blocks, and 18 passes into the final third.

#2. Flop - Rasmus Hojlund

Another tough game for the youngster who is yet to find the back of the net since suffering an injury in February. He received little service from his teammates. Hence, he couldn't make an impact with just two shots (none on target) and three touches in Coventry's box.

#1. Hit - Bruno Fernandes

Manchester United's captain put in a strong performance as the side dominated the affair early on. He set up Maguire's header before getting on the scoresheet himself and showed his composure to score in the shootout as well. He ended the game with nine chances created, 15 passes into the final third, and seven accurate long balls.