Erik ten Hag: Man United Boss Banters Critics, Insists FA Cup Win Over Coventry Is an ‘Achievement’

• Manchester United survived a scare from Coventry City in the FA Cup
• The Red Devils threw away a 3-0 lead before winning on penalty shootouts
• Head coach Erik ten Hag has refuted claims the result was embarrassing

Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, has refrained from labelling his team's tense victory over Coventry City on Sunday as an 'embarrassment'.

Despite surrendering a three-goal advantage to draw 3-3 in regular time, the Red Devils survived a late scare to secure their place in the FA Cup final via a penalty shootout.

Ten Hag's United survive Coventry test

Initially, United appeared to be comfortably surpassing their supposedly inferior opponents, securing a substantial lead with first-half goals from Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire, followed by a strike from Bruno Fernandes in the second half.

Jose Riveiro: Orlando Pirates Coach Responds to Criticism Amidst Team’s Goal Scoring Spree

Football

However, Coventry, sitting eighth in the Championship, mounted a remarkable comeback. Ellis Simms pulled one back in the 71st minute, and Callum O’Hare's deflected shot narrowed the gap further.

United States forward Haji Wright then converted a stoppage-time penalty to level the score after a handball by Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

The match progressed to extra time, during which both sides hit the bar. VAR disallowed Victor Torp's apparent winner in the closing minutes because Wright was marginally offside in the build-up.

Despite the nail-biting contest that concluded 3-3 after 120 minutes, Manchester United ultimately triumphed 4-2 on penalties, setting up a rematch of last year’s final against rivals Manchester City.

Ten Hag refutes 'embarrassment' claims after Coventry win

While United's performance may have raised concerns and intensified pressure on under-fire manager Ten Hag, the Dutchman chose to focus on the positives.

UCL: Real Madrid's Rodrygo pays tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo, hits the 'Siuu' against Man City

Football

“I can’t say that word (embarrassment) because, at the end of the day, it’s about the achievement," he insisted as quoted by Independent.

The 54-year-old added: “I see the mistakes we make – we can’t look away from it – but it’s not an embarrassment. It’s a huge achievement.

“Even the big team from United, a decade ago, only achieved the final three times. We now have two times in two years. So that’s a good performance.

Man United chalk historic feat in FA Cup triumph

Meanwhile, Sports Brief also reported that Manchester United's triumph over Coventry on Sunday, April 21, marked a historic moment in FA Cup history.

For the first time in 139 years, two teams, including United and rivals Manchester City, will compete in the tournament's final for consecutive seasons.

This remarkable feat hasn't been seen since 1885, adding an extra layer of significance to the upcoming final showdown.