LIVE on talkSPORT
Manchester United take on Coventry this Sunday afternoon in the second FA Cup semi-final of the weekend, live on talkSPORT.
The Red Devils’ push for Europe in the Premier League is looking bleak, meaning a place in the final is pivotal to prevent this from becoming a terrible campaign.
4
Erik ten Hag will be desperate to reach the showpiece match and coming up against Championship opposition makes his side major favourites.
However, Mark Robins’ men have already knocked out Wolves on their way to this stage and know they can put up a good fight.
Coventry vs Man United: Robins the Red Devil
It will be a special clash for Coventry manager Robins who used to play for Man United and even won an FA Cup with them.
In 1990, he scored the only goal of the game against Nottingham Forest as he kept United in the competition which they eventually went on to win.
READ MORE ON FA CUP
That goal is also said to have saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job at the time, with a defeat reported to have spelt the end for the iconic boss.
Robins played a total of 61 times for the Red Devils at the start of his career before he moved on to Norwich City and a myriad of other clubs.
The 54-year-old now has the chance to pull off a giant-killing with Coventry and end their hopes of silverware this season.
He may have saved Sir Alex’s job 34 years ago, but he could now play a huge part in ending Ten Hag’s time at United.
Most read in FA Cup
4
- This is the first FA Cup meeting between Coventry and Manchester United since the fourth round in 1986-87, with the Sky Blues winning 1-0 en route to winning the trophy. Before that, they met in the 1984-85 fourth round, with the Red Devils winning 2-1 en route to winning the trophy.
- Manchester United have won 13 of their last 15 meetings with Coventry in all competitions (L2). This is the first game between the sides since September 2007, with the Sky Blues winning 2-0 at Old Trafford in the League Cup.
Coventry vs Man United: Team news
Coventry XI: Collins, Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching, Bidwell, Eccles, Sheaf, O’Hare, Van Ewijk, Simms, Wright.
Subs: Wilson, Binks, Dasilva, Kelly, Allen, Godden, Torp, Tavares, Andrews.
Man United XI: Onana, Dalot, Maguire, Casemiro, Wan-Bissaka, McTominay, Mainoo, Garnacho, Fernandes, Rashford, Hojlund.
Subs: Bayindir, Amass, Jackson, Ogunneye, Amad, Eriksen, Forson, Antony, Wheatly.
4
Mark Goldbridge claims Manchester United 'don't belong' in the Champions League and believes the players aren't good enough for their style of play
- Coventry City are playing in just their second ever FA Cup semi-final, previously beating Leeds United in 1986-87 en route to winning the trophy.
- Manchester United are looking to reach the FA Cup final in consecutive seasons for the first time since 2004/2005, while they’re looking to reach back-to-back finals at Wembley for the first time since a run of three between 1994 and 1996.
Coventry vs Man United: What has been said?
Coventry boss Robins admitted that Man United are the favourites to win this game 'by a million miles'.
At his pre-match press conference, he said: "It's a brilliant opportunity for everyone. There's a lot of excitement around the city.
"It's the first time we've been here since 1987. It's not a normal occasion for us, but it is a normal occasion for them.
"It's a really difficult challenge. I hear people talking about Manchester United, they're this or they're that, and the truth of it is they have got top players.
"For people who are saying United are this or that, or that they concede a lot of shots, you're talking about a team that is full of top players, top international players, that are playing at that level every week.
"We know they are clearly favourites to win this game by a million miles.
"We know what we are likely to encounter but also we have to play a part in this game in as positive way as possible.
"It's a big occasion, one of the biggest games that most of our players have played in but there shouldn't be any fear."
4
- Coventry City have scored 19 goals in this season’s FA Cup, more than any other side (first round onwards). The last club from outside the top-flight to score more in a single campaign were Wrexham in 1977-78 (22).
- Manchester United have won/progressed from 50 of their last 52 FA Cup ties against sides from a lower division, with the exceptions coming against Leeds United (January 2010) and Middlesbrough (February 2022).
Coventry vs Man United: talkSPORT coverage
This FA Cup semi-final will take place on Sunday, April 21.
Kick-off at Wembley Stadium is scheduled for 3:30pm.
Read More on talkSPORT
talkSPORT will have live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary will come from Jim Proudfoot and former England and Coventry defender Stuart Pearce.