The FA Cup delivered an all-time great semi-final after a week of debating its tradition and value. The match saw Coventry hailed as heroes despite their defeat, while the loss felt hollow for Manchester United.

The result set up a repeat of last year’s final back at Wembley, with Manchester City likely to be pleased with the evidence of their future showdown. However, the match may have only strengthened the belief that Erik ten Hag will be leaving United this summer, signaling a departure from the club’s best traditions in the FA Cup.

Coventry’s performance was described as magnificent, as they almost pulled off one of the greatest fightbacks in FA Cup history. Despite their efforts, they faced penalty shootout heartbreak once again.

The match reflected poorly on United under ten Hag, with some players appearing to lack the drive and commitment. This sentiment was highlighted by Marcus Rashford’s negative body language and Brazil midfielder Casemiro’s struggles on the field.

The semi-final showcased the brilliance of the FA Cup, demonstrating that thrilling drama can occur without the need for replays. The match highlighted some of the best moments from this year’s competition, including Maidstone’s win at Ipswich, Coventry’s win at Wolves, and United’s win over Liverpool at Old Trafford.

United initially took a comfortable 2-0 lead but were unable to maintain their advantage, allowing Coventry to make a comeback. The game eventually went to penalties, with United emerging as the victors.

However, the match raised concerns about the team’s performance, overshadowing their advancement to the final.