FA Cup analysis: Five key battles Man Utd must win to beat Coventry City

The stage is set for an epic battle as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the FA Cup final.

Fresh from a nail-biting 4-3 triumph over arch rivals Liverpool in the quarter-finals, the Red Devils are riding a wave of cup momentum. Yet, Coventry City also displayed their resilience with a dramatic 100th-minute comeback against Wolves.

With both sides exhibiting unwavering determination, the scene is primed for an enthralling encounter.

Planet Sport dissects the five pivotal battles that Manchester United must conquer to book their ticket to the final.  

 

Mark Robins vs Erik ten Hag

Coventry City's Mark Robins, a hero of the past, now stands as a managerial marvel.

He once etched his name in football folklore by delivering the goal that arguably salvaged Sir Alex Ferguson's career at Manchester United.

Now, in his second stint at the helm, Robins has orchestrated a stunning resurgence for the Sky Blues.

From their humble ascent from League Two just six years ago, Coventry's trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Their latest feat? Securing a semi-final clash in the FA Cup against none other than Manchester United at Wembley.

This achievement follows a breathtaking comeback against Premier League outfit Wolves in the quarters, showcasing Robins' tactical acumen and the team's unwavering spirit.

Under Robins' guidance, Coventry has evolved into an electrifying force.

Their recent display against Wolves was a testament to their prowess, dominating proceedings and leaving fans on the edge of their seats.

While they had to dig deep to overturn a 2-1 deficit, their resilience speaks volumes.

Currently sitting eighth in the Championship, Coventry are eyeing a return to the Premier League for the first time since 2001.

With Robins at the helm, their aspirations of play-off glory burn bright, setting the stage for a potential fairytale ending to their remarkable journey.

Coventry City's longing for FA Cup glory stretches back to 1987, a 37-year itch they're just two games away from scratching.

On the opposite sideline, Erik ten Hag, haunted by last season’s final loss, is determined to rewrite history for Manchester United.

The Red Devils, under his stewardship, stumbled at the final hurdle, falling to bitter rivals Manchester City in a gut-wrenching 2-1 defeat.

Now, with a chance for redemption looming, as on the other side of the semi-finals sees Manchester City vs Chelsea, Ten Hag's eyes are firmly set on claiming the FA Cup and etching his name in United's storied legacy.

A win would not only secure the club's 13th title but also mark their unprecedented 22nd appearance in the final. For a team grappling with league struggles, this silverware could be a saving grace, bolstering Ten Hag's case to remain at the helm.

Yet, history whispers caution in Ten Hag's ear. The last time United lifted the FA Cup, they found themselves in eerily similar circumstances.

They were also under another Dutch manager and struggling in the league, as the club sacked Louis van Gaal days after winning the FA Cup as the Dutch manager failed to qualify for the Champions League. United finished the season in fifth place and this season are currently seventh place, so the situation is quite similar to that of the previous FA Cup victory.

Coventry's own journey to reclaim glory mirrors United's quest, setting the stage for an enthralling battle between two determined managers.

Can Ten Hag break the cycle and deliver FA Cup ecstasy to Old Trafford, or will Robins and Coventry write a new chapter in their own illustrious history? The stage is set, the battle lines drawn - a clash of managerial titans awaits.  

 
Ellis Simms vs Harry Maguire

Replacing Coventry City’s goal-scoring powerhouse Viktor Gyokeres was no small feat, given his impressive tally of 21 goals and 10 assists in the Championship last season.

However, stepping into the spotlight is Ellis Simms, who is leading the charge with 13 league goals and a sensational five goals in five FA Cup appearances.

His heroics, including a first-half hat-trick against Maidstone United and a crucial brace against Wolves in the quarter-finals, have propelled Coventry into the semi-finals.

Simms' lethal finishing and undeniable impact make him a force to be reckoned with on the field.

But standing in his way is Harry Maguire, the stalwart Manchester United defender. In the crucible of criticism, Maguire emerges unscathed, his resolve unbroken.

Despite the relentless onslaught, he remains steadfast, channelling his energy into his craft. A beacon of resilience, Maguire leads by example, his unwavering dedication evident in every match.

In United’s last Premier League home game against Liverpool, Maguire showcased his defensive prowess, topping the charts in key metrics.

With 16 defensive actions, nine duels won, and eight clearances, he left an indelible mark on the game. His performance, a testament to his resurgence, solidifies his position in Manchester United's starting XI.

Now, as the battle between Simms and Maguire looms, the spotlight falls squarely on the Englishman. To steer United to victory, Maguire must assert his dominance, keeping the game firmly within their grasp.

And with the 2024 Euros on the horizon, his stellar form could pave the way for a starting role with the England squad.  

 
Haji Wright vs Diogo Dalot

In the impending clash against Manchester United, all eyes should be trained on Haji Wright, the left-wing dynamo whose heroics have been pivotal for Coventry City this season.

Wright's memorable 100th-minute winner against Wolves in the quarter-finals underscored his match-winning ability, and United must be wary of his threat.

With an astonishing 15 goals to his name, Wright stands as Coventry's leading goal scorer and provider of assists.

The American's blistering pace, coupled with his formidable strength, sets him apart on the pitch. Coventry's record-breaking nine-million-euro investment in Wright speaks volumes about his impact, as the club recognised his potential to elevate their fortunes.

Wright's prowess extends beyond scoring; his adeptness at creating space for himself and his team-mates through intelligent off-the-ball runs adds another dimension to Coventry's attacking prowess.

United's defence will have their hands full containing the multifaceted threat posed by Wright, especially right-back, Diogo Dalot.

Dalot faces the formidable challenge of containing Coventry City’s dynamic left winger. The Portuguese sensation has been instrumental in United's FA Cup journey, starting in every match with stellar performances to boot.

With one goal and one assist to his name in the competition, Dalot's attacking prowess is undeniable. Despite his offensive flair, Dalot has faced scrutiny for occasional defensive lapses, a vulnerability Wright could exploit.

However, Dalot's improvements in defence - coupled with his exceptional dribbling, passing, and crossing abilities - make him a vital asset for United.

This match-up between two exceptional players in their respective positions promises to be a defining battle on the field.  

 

Ben Sheaf vs Kobbie Mainoo

Coventry City's midfield maestro, Ben Sheaf, is a force to be reckoned with on the pitch. His relentless tackles and pinpoint passes make him a nightmare for opposing teams, and the Red Devils should take heed.

Sheaf has been a standout performer for Coventry City for over three seasons, continually improving with each passing year.

This season, he has elevated his game to new heights, ranking fifth in the league for tackles with an impressive 97 to his name.

Sheaf's mastery of his position, coupled with his sharp decision-making and ability to kickstart attacks, make him a vital asset for his team.

Despite not grabbing the headlines with flashy goals, Sheaf's consistent contributions have earned him the respect of Coventry City fans, who hail him as a Premier League-calibre player.

Sheaf faces off against another rising star in the midfield, Kobbie Mainoo. The 19-year-old sensation, setting the world ablaze, is hungry to drive United to victory in this crucial semi-final clash.

Establishing himself as one of the Premier League's finest young talents, Mainoo earned his England call-up during the recent international break, a testament to his stellar form.

Eyes set on securing a spot in England's 2024 Euros squad, Mainoo's impact is undeniable.

In United's recent FA Cup showdown with Liverpool, Mainoo proved pivotal in propelling his team to the semis.

His performance was nothing short of exceptional, he maintained a perfect dribble success rate, dominated with a 100% tackle win rate, triumphed in 75% of his ground duels, completed 31 crucial passes, made two interceptions, and crafted one key pass.

This young talent is a phenomenon in the making and will play a pivotal role in the upcoming showdown against the formidable Ben Sheaf.  

Bruno Fernandes vs Josh Eccles

Josh Eccles emerges as a pivotal figure in Coventry City's midfield. Robins strategically benched the young talent in their most recent league match, reserving him for the crucial FA Cup semi-final showdown.

The repercussions were evident in the team's lacklustre 3-0 defeat, exposing the frailty of the midfield in his absence.

Despite flying somewhat under the radar, Eccles, a product of Coventry City's academy, forms a dynamic partnership with Ben Sheaf, covering vast expanses of the pitch and ranking among the league's elite in successful tackles per 90 minutes.

His contributions have been instrumental in Coventry's FA Cup journey, notably in the recent fixture against Wolves. There, Eccles showcased his prowess in midfield, excelling in attributes such as ball retention, tactical awareness, and distribution, proving indispensable to his side's success.

Eccles is gearing up to face off against Manchester United's captain, Bruno Fernandes, who boasts an impressive tally of 12 goals and nine assists this season.

The Portuguese midfielder has been on fire, netting two goals and providing one assist in four FA Cup fixtures, while also showcasing his prowess in the league with four goals in his last three outings.

Fernandes isn't just leading the charge in scoring and creating opportunities; he's dominating the stats sheet.

Topping his team in shots taken and shots on target, he's a force to be reckoned with in the attacking third.

With a staggering 2,377 touches, he leads his side in ball control and passing, ranking among the league's top creators with the fourth most through balls and the sixth most crosses.

But Fernandes isn't just about attacking flair; he's a complete midfielder. With a tenacious work ethic, he's second in tackles and third in interceptions at United.

As he faces off against Josh Eccles, Fernandes knows he must assert his dominance in midfield to secure victory for his team and pave the way for another shot at FA Cup glory.