FA semi against Coventry a huge challenge — Ten Hag
● Manchester United are one win away from a second successive FA Cup final appearance, which could go a long way in salvaging a disappointing season for Erik ten Hag’s side, though the manager said today’s semifinal will be a huge challenge.
United meet Championship side Coventry City at Wembley after beating Liverpool in a thrilling FA Cup quarterfinal match in March that went to extra time.
That memorable game at Old Trafford, however, was one of United’s few positive results amid numerous poor ones that have left the squad seventh in the Premier League standings.
“Obviously, we want to win every game,” Ten Hag told reporters on Friday. “So when we don’t win we are disappointed, are frustrated, sure, but we know also we can beat the best teams. When we play to our levels, we can achieve really high highs.”
A victory today would set up a final against the winner between Manchester City and Chelsea, who played yesterday. City edged United 2-1 in 2023’s final.
“Last season was last season. We want to achieve every season, we want to win trophies, we have a big opportunity because we are in a semifinal but it’s a huge challenge,” said Ten Hag, whose job future has been the subject of speculation this season.
Ten Hag expects to have Antony and Scott McTominay back from injury, and is hopeful about defender Harry Maguire.
“We have some problems. Harry had a small injury so he hasn’t trained so far this week, but now he is back on the pitch,” the manager said. “We expect him back in team training today. He will be available, I hope.”
Ten Hag insisted United will “move on” from Alejandro Garnacho’s controversial social media activity after last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
The 19-year-old winger liked posts that criticised Ten Hag after the manager took the Argentine off at halftime.
“Alejandro is a young player, has to learn a lot. He apologised for it and after that we move on,” Ten Hag said.