"If United lost this, it would be the worst result of the season" – Mark Lawrenson makes prediction as Manchester United face Coventry in FA Cup
Liverpool great Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 1-0 victory for Manchester United in their FA Cup semi-final clash against EFL Championship outfit Coventry City this Sunday (April 21).
The Red Devils, who are aiming to progress to their record-extending 22nd FA Cup final, are on a poor run of form right now. They are winless in their last four outings, scoring eight times and conceding nine.
Coventry, on the other hand, have won one and lost three of their past four games. They are currently eighth in the Championship table with 63 points from 42 outings and are pushing hard for a play-off spot.
In his column for UK-based betting website Paddy Power, Lawrenson provided his two cents on Manchester United's upcoming cup encounter against the Sky Blues. He wrote:
"Coventry manager Mark Robins has been around the lower leagues for ages and he's done a fab job wherever he's been. He's a former Manchester United player as well but even though it's United and how they've been, I would still expect them to win this. If United lost this, it would be the worst result of the season and they've had a few bad ones."
Erik ten Hag's side, who beat Liverpool 4-3 in their FA Cup quarter-final tie, boast a fine head-to-head record against Mark Robins' club. They have won 13 of their last 15 games against the Championship outfit. However, they lost their last meeting 2-0 in September 2007.
Manchester United yet to make decision on Erik ten Hag's future, says famed journalist
Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that no decision has been made on Erik ten Hag's future at Manchester United contrary to reports. The Italian transfer insider said:
"I think the season's final weeks will still be important to decide the future of Erik ten Hag. Everything is still open, and nothing is guaranteed at this point. We have to wait for INEOS to decide, but, for sure, the situation between Erik ten Hag and INEOS will be discussed again at the end of the season because now is not the moment to make a permanent and final decision. But what Ten Hag is saying in public is the reality that conversations took place. So this is something that we have to consider."
Ten Hag, who arrived in the summer of 2022, relished a stellar debut season at the Red Devils. He helped them finish third in the Premier League and lift the EFL Cup last season, winning 42 of 62 games.
However, the former Ajax man has struggled to maintain momentum this campaign as Manchester United have looked like a shadow of themselves in the recent past. He has guided his side to 21 wins and 17 losses in 44 matches so far, conceding a staggering 71 goals.