FA Cup: Manchester United set up local derby after beating Coventry

They beat the Championship side on penalties

Author: Ben CartwrightPublished 21st Apr 2024

Manchester United beat Coventry City in the semi-final of the FA Cup - to reach the final of the competition for the 22nd time.

The win over the Championship side means the final - at Wembley - will be against fierce rivals, Manchester United.

Coventry City started the game well, with some impressive pressing from attackers Haji Wright and Callum O'Hare - but were not enough to test Andre Onana in the United net.

But it wasn't enough - a ball was drilled in from the right hand side and was finished by midfielder Scott McTominay.

There were plenty of 'nearly' moments for the Sky Blues, with Haji Wright having the lion's share of chances to attack the United defence - but most were cut out by Diogo Dalot on United's left-hand side.

The biggest chance in the first half for the Sky Blues was Ellis Simms missing a clear-cut chance in the 39th minute. The ball was fizzed into the box from the right hand side, with the number nine falling to the ground trying to poke it past Onana.

The Ghanaian shot stopper was equal to it.

United managed to double their lead just before half time with a header from Harry Maguire header. The ball was whipped into the box by Bruno Fernandes from a corner, following an acrobatic save from Bradley Collins.

A 57th minute goal from Bruno Fernandes extended United's lead to three. The ball wasn't cleared in the box by Coventry defenders, with the Portuguese international able to slot it past the keeper, after a slight deflection.

Coventry were able to get one back in the 70th minute thanks to a cross into the box from Milan Van Ewijk that was met by Ellis Simms. He was able to slot the ball past Onana into the bottom right of the goal.

The Sky Blues added another to their tally after a shot from Callum O'Hare was deflected into United's net.

The equaliser for Coventry was scored from the penalty spot following a hand ball. Haji Wright calmly converted.

After an extra thirty minutes of play, nothing could separate the two sides, meaning the winner of the tie would be decided by penalties.

The game ended 4 - 2 on penalties to Manchester United.

The attendance for the game was 83,672.

The last time Coventry made it to the FA Cup final was in 1987. They won the competition after beating Tottenham Hotspur.

Manchester United have won the FA Cup a total of twelve times - only being bettered by Arsenal, who have won the trophy 14 times.

The FA Cup final takes place on 25 May.

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