Opinion: Manchester United’s win over Coventry City did more damage to Erik ten Hag than benefit

After defeating Championship team Coventry City in the semi-final, Manchester United guaranteed a rematch with Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Sunday.

Though it had begun that way, Erik ten Hag’s men found it to be anything but an easy affair. Scott McTominay’s strike in the 23rd minute gave United the lead, and by the 58th minute, they had tripled their lead.

You would think that the current league gap between the two teams would be enough to push the Premier League heavyweights to the end of regulation, but this is Manchester United, who gave up their first goal in the 71st minute through an Ellis Simms goal; by the 95th minute, they had let Coventry draw even.

After conceding a fourth goal in the meaningless extra time that ensued, United nearly lost the match when VAR determined that Victor Torp was offside by a tiny margin. United was fortunate to have luck on their side as they won the match in the penalty shootout that followed.

The onlookers at United were anything but jubilant when Antony began to celebrate violently in the faces of the Coventry players after Rasmus Højlund scored the game-winning penalty. There was embarrassment at the way an already unlikeable Antony chose to celebrate, relief that a nightmare performance had somehow spared what would have been a worthy defeat, and concern heading into the final month of a disappointing season.

Alejandro Garnacho’s substitution as well as Antony’s celebrations following the game drew harsh criticism. (Image by AFP/Ian Kington) / LIMITED TO EDITORIAL USE / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE (Image courtesy of IAN KINGTON/AFP on Getty Images))
An unworthy, heartless triumph

There’s a reason why upsets are celebrated in life, not just in football. After all, who doesn’t like a compelling tale of the underdog?

Any team can defeat any side on any given day. When we talk of this Man United side in particular, any opposition would fancy their chances, be they national champions or National League champions.

Given that United has taken two leaps forward and three steps back this season, few people, least of all United supporters, would have been shocked by the team’s defeat on that particular day. But even in that case, the Red Devils managed to confuse the spectators by letting Coventry re-enter the match after taking a commanding 3-0 lead. It was a terrible reflection on both the management and the players.

The offside ruling that deprived Coventry their fourth goal on Sunday has become a subject of yet another existential footballing debate: it was barely inches, there was no deliberate advantage, and yet the call was right. It took away the game from a side that perhaps deserved to win the game, but the call was right.

However, the outcome may have been equally possible, and the loss would have been justified. Gut-wrenching, yet accurate. A slap in the face of prospective Premier League champions who have proved to be capable of nothing but mediocrity since 2013. As a result, the eventual victory seems much more demeaning. Not worthy. Hollow.

However, that is how the cookie crumbles. Teams frequently receive unjust results. Teams can play well and still lose, and United can also play poorly and still win.

Gazing ahead causes one to take deep breaths once more as they savor their massive breath of relief after Sunday.

Man United supporters were seen running back into Wembley after VAR overturned Coventry City’s 121st-minute “winner” 💨

(pic.twitter.com/C9up1aTWc8; via @TomGoward)

— April 22, 2024, Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt)
No placid waters in the distance

The truth that United has underwhelmed this season is little in doubt. They certainly didn’t deserve to win on Sunday given all of their goals.

For all money, the Champions League is unachievable. To be honest, United also doesn’t deserve that. Ahead of the upcoming season, which ushers in yet another new dawn, it’s another reality check.

Manchester United has played 45 games this season with 22 wins, 6 ties, and 17 losses in all competitions. According to Transfermarkt, (Image courtesy of Paul Ellis/AFP on Getty Images))

There are still six Premier League games left for United to win, or at least finish with a remnant of the “giant” face they so proudly wear despite their lack of recent performance deserving of it. The final game versus the local rivals is the big one. What chance do United have against the Champions League teams if they couldn’t maintain composure against the Championship Sky Blues?

Further Manchester United News: After reaching the FA Cup final, Manchester United and Manchester City repeated a 139-year-old achievement.
An expert renders a harsh judgment on Antony’s agitation of Coventry City supporters following Manchester United’s victory: “May be participating in the Championship”
Scott McTominay acknowledges supporters following Manchester United’s thrilling FA Cup semifinal victory over Coventry City.

Ten Hag believes that United can defeat City. Indeed, as previously stated, underdog tales are conceivable. However, recent performances warn against holding out too much hope for a miracle. What evidence does United have for themselves? At least Coventry advanced to the semi-final on the strength of impressive performances. They have six games to convince themselves that they could defeat a team they haven’t defeated since March 2020.

Indeed, they could defeat them. However, the team and their manager cannot and should not be shielded from criticism by this. Ten Hag had better understand that winning the FA Cup will not be enough to save his job, much like the previous Dutchman to hold the Old Trafford throne.

GET MORE RELATED CONTENT ON SPORTWORDS.CO.UK