Manchester United escape with victory in thrilling FA Cup semifinal
London, England - Manchester United survived one of the most astonishing FA Cup semifinal comebacks ever to beat secondtier Coventry City on penalties after a spellbinding clash ended 3-3 after extra time at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
United were cruising to a record 22nd FA Cup final thanks to goals by Scott Mctominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes.
But Coventry, playing in their first FA Cup semi-final since 1987, fought back with goals by Ellis Simms and Callum O'hare before Haji Wright stroked home a stoppage-time penalty.
Coventry's substitute Victor Torp thought he had won it at the death but his goal was disallowed. Casemiro missed a spot kick for United in the shootout but they hit back and Rasmus Hojlund's penalty sent them into the final.
Coventry boss proud in defeat
The width of a toenail cost Coventry City a place in the FA Cup final after a remarkable comeback against Manchester
United on Sunday but manager Mark Robins said he was proud of his players after losing a penalty shootout.
Robins, who won the Cup as player with United in 1990, watched his side battle back from 3-0 down after 71 minutes with goals from Ellis Simms and Callum O'hare and a Haji Wright penalty deep into stoppage time.
Second-tier Coventry were the better side in extra time and thought they had pulled off a remarkable win against the 12-time champions when Victor Torp scored from close range 20 seconds from the end of extra time.
The joy of the 36,000 travelling Coventry fans turned to tears though as Torp's goal was disallowed by VAR.
“Bitterly disappointed, but I'm proud as well,” said Robins whose goal in an FA Cup third round for United against Nottingham Forest in 1990 is said to have saved then manager Alex Ferguson's job and paved the way for a glittering era.
“Someone said to me I don't think any team have been as close to a final without getting there.”