Three talking points as Man Utd advance to FA Cup final after surviving an almighty scare | OneFootball

Manchester United scraped past Coventry City on penalties to reach the Emirates FA Cup final.

The Red Devils cruised into a 2-0 lead before the half time and scored the third goal at the hour mark for what at that stage looked a routine win.

Coventry City decided to fight back in the last 20 minutes, scoring thrice and forcing the game to extra time.

Victor Torp scored in the 122nd minute, but VAR ruled the goal offside to save Man United’s face.

Ben Sheaf missed his target in the penalty shoot-out, allowing the Red Devils to advance to the tournament’s finals.

Here are the three talking points from the thrilling clash.

Horrible in-game tactics from Erik ten Hag

There is no excuse for letting a 3-0 lead slip in the semi-final against a team that features in a division below the Premier League.

Ten Hag took Alejandro Garnacho off for Antony instead of Marcus Rashford who had been poor all evening.

Amad Diallo should have been introduced before the Brazilian trickster, but the manager’s favouritism does not seem to be stopping.

Ten Hag opted to substitute Kobbie Mainoo right after United conceded for the first time.

The 19-year-old was the only holding midfielder available as Casemiro was featuring as a centre-back.

Scott McTominay was asked to operate as a number six, a tactical switch which backfired.

The United head coach was almost certain to head out if United had lost the clash.

Maguire and Fernandes show poor leadership

There is no doubt that the United duo put in impressive individual performances.

Maguire was rock-solid at the back and won several duels.

Fernandes added his name on the scoresheet via a wicked deflection. He came close to doubling his tally, but his shot rattled the bar.

His ice-cold penalty was crucial to take United into the FA Cup final.

However, Maguire and Fernandes failed to demonstrate leadership and rally the team when Coventry City were trying to come back into the game.

The experienced duo is not in the team only for their individual performance but also to make the team function better.

They must know that the captain’s armband is not only wearable but also a mark of added responsibility on their shoulder.

Onana’s antics in the penalty shoot-out saved United

Andre Onana had a comfortable 70 minutes before a storm hit him. The Cameroon international must have done better during City’s second goal.

Callum O’Hare’s shot looped into the air and found the net after striking Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

When the ball went into the air, Onana had ample time to react, but he remained rooted to his spot.

He redeemed himself with a superb stop in the penalty shoot-out against O’Hare.

When Sheaf came to take his strike, Onana took a page out of Emiliano Martinez’s book to put pressure on the midfielder.

Onana welcomed the 26-year-old with a few words, aiming to put off the City’s captain. The antics worked as Sheaf fired his strike over the bar.