Man Utd Player Ratings vs Coventry City: Andre Onana’s Heroic Saves Preserve Erik ten Hag’s Position — For Now! Dramatic Shootout Victory Secures FA Cup Final Berth in Thrilling Semi-Final Encounter
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The goalkeeper spared United’s blushes after they threw away a three-goal advantage against Mark Robins’ fearless side
Manchester United went to heaven, then hell and then back again, but when they were able to finally breathe the biggest sigh of relief after seeing off the bravest Coventry City side on penalties, the overall feeling was of disbelief. How could it have come to this? How could Erik ten Hag’s side have been coasting at 3-0 up on 70 minutes, only to then draw 3-3 and be forced into extra-time, when they were left begging for penalties?
United had looked so comfortable, taking the lead when Scott McTominay tapped in from close-range to complete a flowing team move, and then doubling it with Harry Maguire’s header from a corner right on half-time.
Bruno Fernandes looked to have rubber-stamped United’s place in the final shortly after the break, and many fans would have been forgiven for planning how to get back to Wembley for the final. The players seemed to ease off, though, and Ellis Simms pulled one back for Coventry in the 71st minute.
It should have been a mere consolation goal, but it gave Mark Robins’ side belief, and soon they had a second goal from Callum O’Hare’s hit-and-hope effort which bounced in off Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s back. Still, a third goal seemed highly unlikely until Wan-Bissaka gave away a penalty in the 94th minute which was dispatched by Haji Wright, completing a barely-believable comeback.
United looked a spent force in extra-time, save for a Bruno Fernandes strike which came off the bar. Simms came even closer to scoring for Coventry, and then Victor Torp thought he’d won it for the Championship side after the 120th minute, but VAR spared United’s blushes.
The shootout got off to a nightmare start when Casemiro’s bungled Panenka was saved, but Andre Onana did his part, saving from Callum O’Hare before psyching out Ben Sheaf, who ballooned over the bar and allowed Rasmus Hojlund to send United into the final against Manchester City. But after this horror-show against a far, far weaker team wearing sky blue, will any United fans be looking forward to it?
GOAL rates United’s players from Wembley Stadium…
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Goalkeeper & Defence
Andre Onana (6/10):
Had very little to worry about until Simms’ goal, when he was beaten at his near post and could have got down quicker. Wound the Coventry fans up by taking his time at goal-kicks, eventually getting booked for it, and again in the shootout. Made a fine save from O’Hare and did his best Emiliano Martinez impression to put Sheaf off.
Diogo Dalot (8/10):
Exceptional in every facet of the game. Made two key defensive actions before setting up McTominay.
Casemiro (5/10):
A makeshift centre-back due to United’s injury crisis and it suited him for most of the game until Coventry were galvanised and he gave the ball straight back to them after conceding the second. Made a big block in extra-time but also looked vulnerable. His penalty was dire.
Harry Maguire (5/10):
Began well and scored a trademark thumping header but looked nervous and uncomfortable when Coventry came back.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (3/10):
United’s weak link. Rarely looked comfortable and turned his back on O’Hare’s shot then gave away the penalty.
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Midfield
Kobbie Mainoo (7/10):
His composed passing helped United get off to the ideal start and control most of the game. Taken off just after Coventry pulled one back and United badly missed his presence from then on.
Scott McTominay (5/10):
Got the ball rolling but then his deficiencies as a holding midfielder were laid bare when Mainoo went off.
Bruno Fernandes (6/10):
Had a strange game, setting up Maguire’s goal and scoring himself, but when United needed to just see the game out, he couldn’t get them over the line. Almost scored in extra-time.
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Attack
Marcus Rashford (5/10):
Had some bright moments but no cutting edge and still incapable of doing any back-tracking or defending. Limped off right before extra-time.
Rasmus Hojlund (4/10):
Poor. Had just one shot, which was blocked. Not been the same since getting injured in February, but at least he scored his penalty.
Alejandro Garnacho (5/10):
Played his part in the opening goal but was otherwise sloppy, ballooning over the bar and having an air shot. The first player to be taken off.
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Subs & Manager
Antony (4/10):
When he came on the score was 3-0. Enough said.
Christian Eriksen (5/10):
Underlined why he has featured so little recently.
Amad Diallo (4/10):
Should have played Fernandes in when it was two-v-two, instead holding on to the ball needlessly. Skied a decent opening.
Omari Forson (5/10):
Came on in the 103rd minute and almost scored, denied by Collins at full stretch.
Erik ten Hag (4/10):
It’s difficult to imagine how he could have survived had United not won the shootout. Even though they did, it’s still difficult to see him making it through the summer. His changes allowed Coventry back into the game and made no sense.
