“It’s a huge achievement”: Erik ten Hag insists Man United’s win vs. Coventry City was not an “embarrassment” | OneFootball

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has insisted that his side’s narrow win against Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup was not an “embarrassment” and it was in fact a “huge achievement” to make it through to the final, where they will face Manchester City.

United capitulated and surrendered a commanding 3-0 lead they had up until the 70th minute of the game. Coventry struck thrice to take the tie into extra time.

Substitute Victor Torp thought he had won it for Coventry but his goal was ruled offside by VAR as Haji Wright – who supplied the cross – was judged to have been offside in the build-up.

A penalty shootout was required to settle the affair and luckily, Ten Hag’s men prevailed despite Casemiro missing the opening kick.

After the final whistle, the Dutchman spoke to ITV and ludicrously claimed that United showed great character and mental fortitude to ultimately run out victors – this is despite the overwhelming sentiment being that the Red Devils’ fragility was once again exposed and they were ultimately lucky to beat Coventry.

Ten Hag was also questioned by reporters during his post-match news conference and gave further information on what he thought about the team’s performance and how events unfolded at Wembley.

The 54-year-old remarked, “Mixed feelings, it is clear, but it’s a huge achievement to be in the FA Cup final twice in two years.”

“The last 20 years United were in the final five times. Now we’re in the final twice in two years, so it’s a huge achievement. But of course, when you’re so in control, dominating the game and 3-0 up, then we should bring it over the finish [line]”

“The way we didn’t was not good and from the 70 minutes to the end we made mistakes. On several occasions we let each other down. Today we got away with it.”

He was asked whether the manner in which United finally outdid Coventry – a side that had lost three of their previous four games –  was “embarrassing”.

Ten Hag replied, “No, I can’t see that. At the end of the day, it’s about achievement. I see the mistakes we make, but it’s not an embarrassment. As I say, it’s a huge achievement.”

“[The players] see that there are mixed feelings. We allowed them to return in the game and it’s completely unnecessary.”

On why the Red Devils struggle to be consistent across 90 minutes and why this has yet to be addressed, Ten Hag pointed out, “Yes, I see that. We can play at a very high level and then in the same match, the same game, we can play at a low level. It’s unexplainable but it has to do with managing the game. We have to take responsibility, keep organised and make the right decisions.”

“We have to do better in these occasions. On several occasions like this we let the result slip away but today we got away with it. I don’t think heads dropped but we had many setbacks and maybe our reaction is human but it’s not acceptable. When you are in control you should win easily.”

Ten Hag dismissed suggestions that his position in the Old Trafford dugout may have been weakened despite the fact that United won.

He said, “That would be crazy. You need the tools to manage and with all the injuries we don’t have so many tools. We don’t even have a back four in their best positions.”

“On that part, I have to give the team a compliment, the players managed that, they were in a position that is not in their best. They gave 100 percent. It’s not always easy to play best football when you’re not in your best position.”

For Ten Hag and United, attention now shifts to their Premier League clash against Sheffield United on Wednesday.

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