Ian Wright was shocked with one Erik ten Hag decision as they faced Coventry City in the FA Cup.
Manchester United advance to the FA Cup Final. Just. It was a simply thrilling semi-final, that no one expected to play out given the first 70 minutes.
United were utterly dominant until then, cruising at 3-0. But then a remarkable Coventry comeback sent the game to extra-time, then penalties.
Luckily for United, Rasmus Hojlund‘s strike was the decider. They have saved their season, with a repeat of last year’s FA Cup Final now looming against Manchester City.
Ian Wright on Erik ten Hag decision
Manchester United nearly made a right meal of it. Simple as. The Red Devils were extremely complacent against the Sky Blues, accepting a win way before the full-time whistle went.
Erik ten Hag was definitely guilty in some areas. In particular, something that is occurring far too often – incorrect substitutions.
Taking off some of Manchester United’s star men ultimately changed the game completely – in Coventry’s favour.
The tides turned when Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho left the pitch. Simple as. Mainoo in particular was a huge loss. The Red Devils lost a lot of their momentum in midfield when he departed.
Ian Wright, speaking at half-time of extra time on ITV, couldn’t help but agree. He in particular though Mainoo was a big miss:
“I was just very surprised to see Mainoo, I don’t know if he’s got a knock or something, but he’s somebody who can control the game or slow it down, so I was very surprised to see him coming off,” Wright stated.
“You can talk about experience, but bringing on [Christian] Eriksen hasn’t really made much of a difference. I was bewildered.”
Manchester United advance nevertheless…
The Manchester United manager reflected on the win on ITV1: “It was an incredible game, a strange game too.
“We had total control for so long and then gave it away in the last part of the game. We did show resilience to win the penalty shootout.
“We had control for 75 minutes and have to give Coventry a compliment for what they did in the last 15 minutes.
“We have to improve. We talk a lot about this. First you have to put yourself in a winning position but then you have to take it over the line. In these moments we are making mistakes and not keeping our responsibilities.”
Despite the horrendous crumbling of United, there’s now only one thing that matters – Manchester United’s season is still alive, with an FA Cup Final to look forward to.
Ten Hag will be simply desperate for redemption. Last season’s clash against City was a bit of a walkover. United need to bring the game to the Cityzen’s this time around.
Roll on the end of May. Come on United.