Manchester United reach their 22nd FA Cup final: Key stats
Manchester United overcame Coventry City on penalties in their FA Cup semi-final clash at Wembley. With this win, United reached the final for the 22nd time in the competition's history. United were 3-0 up and cruising before Coventry scored three late on and forced extra time. Coventry had a goal ruled out for offside in extra time before United prevailed 4-2 in the shootout.
United to face holders Man City in final
United have reached their second successive FA Cup final under Erik ten Hag. And for the second straight season, the Red Devils will face arch-rivals Manchester City. Last season, City beat United 2-1 in the final. United last won the FA Cup under Louis van Gaal in 2016. Since then, they have suffered two successive defeats (2018 and 2023).
Fernandes keeps producing the goods
Bruno Fernandes scored United's third goal in the 58th minute. He scored his 13th goal for United in all competitions this season, including three in the FA Cup. Fernandes also assisted Maguire for United's second, taking his assists tally to 10 this season, including three in the FA Cup. Overall, the Manchester United skipper raced to 77 goals in 228 appearances for the club.
Key numbers for McTominay and Maguire
Scott McTominay scored the opener in the 23rd minute following Diogo Dalot's assist. For the first time in his club career, he has 10 goals in a season. He has now been involved in 13 goals this season (A3). Overall, McTominay has 29 goals in 246 appearances. Harry Maguire scored United's second goal. He now owns 10 goals for United, including three this campaign.
Poor defensive decisions continue to haunt United
United were cruising along before letting in three in 24 minutes against Coventry. Notably, United conceded two in 11 minutes in round four and two in the a space of two minutes in the quarter-finals. United have scored 14 goals so far, conceding eight.
Unique record for Fernandes
As per Opta, Fernandes has scored and assisted in 17 matches for Manchester United. Since his debut for the club in February 2020, the only Premier League player to do so in more different games in all competitions is Mohamed Salah (20).
United go 3-0 up and in control
Dalot made a great overlapping run before receiving the ball from Alejandro Garnacho. He whipped in a perfect cross down as McTominay met in the six-yard box, and he simply couldn't miss from there. Maguire made it 2-0 just ahead of half-time with a header. It was Fernandes who got the 3rd goal for United with a deflection.
Coventry score thrice to make it 3-3
Ellis Simms swept Tavares' cross past Andre Onana at the near post to pull one back in the 71st minute. Callum O'Hara scored minutes later after his shot took a deflection from Aaron Wan-Bissaka. And then, it was Wan-Bissaka who gave away a penalty. Haji Wright sent Onana the wrong way. Before that, Coventry drew out a superb save from Onana as United panicked.
What happened thereafter?
Coventry were the better side in extra time. On each occasion they came forward, it looked like United were in trouble. United so often got caught on a quick transitions and Coventry threatened. Coventry did score finally late on but a VAR check deemed the goal offside. During the shootout, Casemiro missed for United but they rallied back. Coventry missed two of their spotkicks.
Manchester United script these records
United have reached the final for a record 22 times, steering clear of Arsenal (21). Before this, United reached successive FA Cup finals in 2003-04 and 2004-05. United are the first side to reach successive FA Cup finals by winning a shootout. They eliminated Brighton last season via penalties. United have won 14 of their last 16 matches against Coventry across all competitons.
Here are the match stats
United made 28 attempts with six shots on target. Coventry made 18 attempts and had five shots on target. Ten Hag's side had 58% ball possession and an 87% pass accuracy.
United's woes continue
As per Squawka, United have now conceded 358 shots across all domestic competitions in 2024, at least 36 more than any other side. United have now conceded three-plus goals in 14 different matches across all competitions this season. They have conceded three-plus goals in four of their last eight matches, including in successive FA Cup matches.
