Man United boss Erik ten Hag makes Coventry City admission ahead of FA Cup semi-final tie

Erik ten Hag has praised Coventry City’s spirit and mentality ahead of Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final meeting next month.

The Sky Blues discovered their opponents on Sunday after securing a historic victory over Premier League Wolves. The hosts looked set to advance to the semi-finals but late stoppage time goals from Ellis Simms and Haji Wright set up a tie with Premier League heavyweights United.

United, on the other hand, also played out a dramatic match at Old Trafford. Ten Hag’s men produced a stunning comeback to beat Liverpool 4-3 with Amad Diallo scoring an 120th minute winner. Liverpool had been minutes from the semi-final before Marcus Rashford netted in the 115th minute to put matters level.

Speaking on ITV after the semi-final draw, the Dutch boss warned his players ahead of a ‘difficult’ game against the Sky Blues. “Semi-final, if you want to go to the final you have to win it,” he said. “But we have to play our best.

“As you have seen yesterday about Coventry, how they did that for a very good team. Very good spirit, very good mentality.

“It will be a difficult game but we want to go into the final so we have to prepare our best and play at our best.”

The trip to Wembley becomes Coventry’s fourth in the last seven years. The semi-final tie will be played across the weekend of 20/21 April.