“It sums up our season”: Harry Maguire gives his verdict on Man United’s deplorable FA Cup semi-final win vs. Coventry City | OneFootball

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has admitted that he and his teammates were lucky to ultimately beat Coventry City and book their place in the final of the FA Cup.

United started well and raced to a 2-0 lead before the break. Bruno Fernandes found the back of the net 15 minutes after the interval and it seemed like Erik ten Hag and his players were headed for a comfortable win.

However, a determined Coventry side fought back and restored parity, with their last-minute penalty-kick ensuring proceedings went into extra time. Eventually, the match had to be settled via a penalty shootout. United prevailed to sail through but it was not pretty.

Visibly appalled by the poor performance and humiliating capitulation, the United fans who had travelled to Wembley left the stadium soon after the final whistle, too embarrassed to even celebrate.

Several United players appeared discontent with the unfolding events and could have been mistaken for being on the losing team.

Personally, Maguire was solid and gave a good account of himself. The former United skipper won 100% of his tackles and ground duels.

He also came out on top in five of the eight ground duels he delved into. This was in addition to the goal he scored in the opening 45 minutes – impressive considering he was paired with Casemiro, who is naturally a midfielder by trade.

Maguire spoke to ITV after the final whistle and had his say on the game.

The England international said, “We started the game really well and then conceded a sloppy goal. We were unfortunate to concede the second goal.”

“I think the penalty was so hard but all credit to Coventry. They made it tough for us in the second half of extra time.”

He added, “It sums up our season, we had great control and played well for 60 minutes but then we conceded out of nothing.”

“Then I don’t know, it seems like the world wanted Coventry to go on and do it. We showed great character to stick with it and it was important to win the shootout.”

Maguire also pointed out just how easily United let Coventry into the game but took positives in the fact that 20-time English champions have advanced to another cup final – the third in two years.

For United, all attention shifts to their game against Sheffield United on Wednesday.

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