With 20 minutes to go at Wembley Stadium in Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final clash between Man Utd and Coventry City, it looked like the Red Devils were to cruise into a second consecutive final.
Three goals to the good thanks to Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes, it was all going swimmingly for Man Utd.
And then the collapse happened.
Within 25 minutes – including stoppage time – Erik ten Hag’s side completely collapsed, conceding three goals and relinquishing their previously cushy lead.
In extra-time, it almost got even worse when Victor Torp prodded the ball past Andre Onana. After a lengthy VAR check however, the goal was fortunately ruled out and the game went to penalties.
Up against Championship opposition, Man Utd would eventually seal the win in the shootout courtesy of successful spot kicks from Diogo Dalot, Christian Eriksen, Bruno Fernandes and Rasmus Hojlund.
Here’s Man Utd’s best and worst players in the narrow win, according to 90min’s esteemed player ratings.
Bruno Fernandes: 8/10
There aren’t many Manchester United players who can hold their head up high after the game on Sunday, but Bruno Fernandes can at least after his performance.
The Red Devils captain was at his brilliant best throughout the majority of the 120 minutes of action at Wembley Stadium. Having chipped in with an assist and a goal in normal time – showing off impeccable footwork in the lead up to his goal – Fernandes also netted his penalty in the shootout to see his side through to the final.
A goal, an assist, 85% pass accuracy, nine chances created, and six duels won is a stat line certainly not to be sniffed at.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka: 3/10
Left-back has been a much-talked about problem position throughout the 2023/24 season for Man Utd, and having watched Aaron Wan-Bissaka play there on Sunday it’s easy to see why.
Drafted in due to the injury suffered by Luke Shaw, Wan-Bissaka put in a bit of a disasterclass performance on the left of United’s defence against Coventry.
His handball which gifted Coventry a late penalty was one of a rather long-list of lowlights for the 26-year-old.
Dishonourable mention
Marcus Rashford: 4/10
Yeah…Man Utd’s left-hand side was very bad.
Like Wan-Bissaka, Rashford thoroughly struggled to make a positive impact on proceedings at Wembley, seeing five shots at goal come to very little.
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