"The standard of Manchester United is much higher than what we have been doing" - Bruno Fernandes reacts after FA Cup SF win
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes is all praise for his side after their thrilling penalty shootout win over Coventry City in the FA Cup semifinal on Sunday (April 21).
In a humdinger of a contest, the Red Devils went in front through Scott McTominay inside 23 minutes before Harry Maguire doubled the advantage on the cusp of hal-time.
The game appeared to be over as a contest when Fernandes made it 3-0 in the 58th minute. Coventry, though, didn't give up, reducing arrears through Ellis Simms and Callum O'Hare before Haji Wright's penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time forced extra time and subsequently penalties.
The Red Devils triumphed 4-2 to book a repeat final with holders Manchester City. Following the remarkable victory, Fernandes gushed about the character of his side (as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano)"
“We have to do much better. The standard of Manchester United is much higher than what we have been doing”.
It marks only the second instance in FA Cup history - since Blackburn Rovers beat Queens Park Rangers in the 1884 and 1885 finals. Last year, the Red Devils lost 2-1 to City in the fina..
"It's a mixed feeling" - Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana
Manchester United custodian Andre Onana has said that the victory has mixed feelings, as the Red Devils were in cruise control before nearly losing it at the death.
Despite leading by three goals at the hour mark, Victor Torp had a late winner for Coventry ruled out for a marginal offside. Having conceded thrice in the 120 minutes, Onana redeemed himself by saving O'Hare's effort, which would eventually prove pivotal.
"It's a mixed feeling," Onana said (as per BBC). "We went through, that's why we came here. It was a tough game at the end. We were in control. After so many individual mistakes, we conceded three goals. The most important thing is to win. We have to look forward to the coming games.
"Somehow we lost control of the game. We are Man Utd. We must win. We feel good, we feel happy to be in a final. We'll come back here to win. The most important thing is the victory. We're in the final. That's what matters."
Coventry were looking to become the first Championship side since Cardiff Ciry (2008) to reach the FA Cup final. Meanwhile, United next take on Sheffield United at home in the league on Wednesday (April 24).