Manchester United relinquished a commanding three-goal advantage but ultimately triumphed in a penalty shootout against Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals.
The Red Devils surged ahead with what appeared to be a comfortable lead, only to be stunned by three late goals from Coventry, forcing the match into extra time. There, a dramatic moment ensued as VAR disallowed an extraordinary potential winner for the Sky Blues, leading to a shootout to determine the victor.
United will once again face off against cross-town rivals Manchester City in the final, seeking redemption after last season’s defeat.
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Match Recap:
United missed an early opportunity to take the lead as Alejandro Garnacho’s half-volley trickled wide. However, they broke the deadlock midway through the first half, with Scott McTominay tapping in a low cross from Diogo Dalot.
Coventry threatened just before halftime, but Diogo Dalot’s intervention denied Ellis Simms a clear chance. United doubled their lead from a corner, with Harry Maguire heading in Bruno Fernandes’ delivery.
Despite Fernandes’ stunning curling strike narrowly missing, United extended their lead on the counterattack, as Marcus Rashford’s deflected effort found the net.
Coventry mounted a spirited comeback, with Simms and Callum O’Hare scoring within minutes to set up a tense finale. The Sky Blues were awarded a last-gasp penalty, converted by Haji Wright, sending the match into extra time.
In the added period, Fernandes struck the crossbar early on, while Maguire forced a fine save from Bradley Collins. United’s appeals for a penalty were dismissed, and Coventry came close to taking the lead through Matt Godden and Wright.
With seconds remaining, Coventry seemingly completed a remarkable turnaround as Victor Torp converted Wright’s cross, only for VAR to rule it out for offside. The match concluded with United prevailing 4-2 on penalties, securing their spot in the final.