"Sack Erik before that final", "Don't deserve that win" - Social media explodes as Manchester United defeat Coventry on pens in FA Cup S/F
Social media has exploded after Manchester United snatched a hard-fought victory over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday, April 21. The game started with the Red Devils in total control, before devolving in front of their very eyes, as their opponents equalized and took the game to penalties.
It was a rather sub-par win and performance from Manchester United. They could easily have been knocked out of the FA Cup if Coventry were more clinical. The Championship side may have been on the back burner in the first half, but they entered the second half with a vengeance that took them into extra time.
The pressure of taking penalties at a 90,000-seater Wembley seemed a bit too much for the Coventry players to bear. They eventually succumbed to defeat in the shoot-out.
Fans reacted on social media, as the Red Devils were nearly felled by a tier-two English club. Here are some of their statements:
"SACK ERIK BEFORE THAT FINAL", warned a fan.
"We don't deserve that win. Overpaid Get rid of AWB,casemiro, Rashford, mctominay asap," said another fan.
"TAKE ACTION AND SACK HIM BEFORE THE FINAL!", warned another.
"Another Manchester Derby but as a United fan I already know the outcome. I don’t have any expectations from this team", a fan said.
"For the love of god! SACK TEN HAG!", another fan demanded.
"Its a shame ! Embarrassing ! Having a 3 goal lead then losing it is so shameful. Sack Ten Hag poor tactics. We are not playing football, this is not a club anymore." complained a fan.
"Imagine Celebrating a win on penalties against a tiny club like Coventry. This club has no shame!!!", another fan slammed the club.
Here is a selection of tweets from other fans who were displeased with Manchester United's poor outing:
Manchester United nearly stumble against Coventry
The Red Devils were in control as they scored their first goal In the 23rd minute through Scott McTominay. He got into a striking position for a low cross from Diogo Dalot. Then, right on the cusp of half-time, Harry Maguire added the second goal with a powerful, accurate header from a Bruno Fernandes corner.
The third goal for Manchester United came just near the hour mark, as a deflected shot from Fernandes found its way into the goal. It seemed that the Red Devils had sealed the deal. However, somehow, the game began to turn against them as Coventry mounted an impressive comeback.
Ellis Simms got at the end of a cross to volley the ball into the near post and open the scoring for the Championship side with 71 minutes on the clock. The second goal came from Callum O'Hare eight minutes later as his effort deflected off Aaron Wan-Bissaka before finding its way into the net.
Then, deep into injury time, Wan-Bissaka's arm was in the way of a cross, and the referee pointed to the spot. Haji Wright dispatched his effort from 12 yards effortlessly to put them level with the Premier League giants and the game went into extra time.
Both sides hit the bar in the extra time, with Coventry even scoring a fourth goal that was canceled for offside by VAR. Eventually, the game went to penalties, where Manchester United won 4-2.