Erik ten Hag claimed Manchester United “got away with it” after squandering a three-goal lead against Coventry before winning the FA Cup semifinal at Wembley Stadium in London via penalty shootout on Sunday.
United led 3-0 midway through the second half when Coventry staged a dramatic comeback with three goals in the last 20 minutes.
The title team felt they had scored another goal at the conclusion of extra time, but VAR ruled it out. Rasmus Højlund scored the winning penalty kick in the shootout for United.
It sets up a second FA Cup final versus rivals Manchester City at the end of May.
“Mixed feelings, it is clear,” Ten Hag said at his post game news conference.
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“But it’s an achievement to be twice in the FA Cup final in two years. When you are so in control, dominating the game, 3-0 up, we should win it.
“The way we didn’t was not good, and from the 70 minutes to the end we made mistakes. On several occasions we let each other down. Today we got away with it.”
Ten Hag was asked whether it was embarrassing to win the game in the manner they did against a Championship side who had lost three of their previous four games.
“No, I can’t see that,” he said.
“At the end of the day it’s about achievement. I see the mistakes we make, but it’s not an embarrassment, it’s a huge achievement.
“[The players] see that there are mixed feelings. We allowed them to return in the game and it’s completely unnecessary.”
Despite reaching the FA Cup final and setting up the chance to win a second trophy in as many seasons as United manager, Ten Hag’s future at Old Trafford remains unclear. The Dutchman, however, dismissed the suggestion that even though United won, his position has been weakened by the performance against Coventry.
“That would be crazy,” he said. “You need the tools to manage, and with all the injuries we don’t have so many tools. We don’t even have a back four in their best positions.
“On that part, I have to give the team a compliment, the players managed that, they were in a position that is not in their best. They gave 100 percent. It’s not always easy to play best football when you’re not in your best position.”
