Erik Ten Hag needs this. Manchester United needs this. Despite the match being against a Championship side, this is perhaps the most important game of the season for the Reds. A loss on Saturday could fully deflate Ten Hag’s side and cause the season to fully unravel. Can the Reds end their abysmal form and return to the FA Cup Final?

Historical Highlight

The last time Manchester United faced Coventry City in the Premier League was in April 2001. Coventry got off to a good start with a 10th-minute goal through John Hartson that was swiftly answered by Dwight Yorke two minutes later. The two players traded goals again before the half to make it 2-2.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s side left it late, but Ryan Giggs scored a beautiful looping header to give Manchester United a 3-2 lead in the 81st minute. United added to the lead in the 87th minute when Paul Scholes scored a screamer from distance in his trademark style.

Manchester United finished the season at the top of the table, ten points ahead of Arsenal.

Current Form

Manchester United’s form is at a season-low. The Reds have dropped points in four straight games. United’s point in the 2-2 draw at Bournemouth made it three points in the past four Premier League matches. The last win that Erik Ten Hag’s side had was the thrilling 4-3 victory over Liverpool in the FA Cup Quarterfinal.

Coventry City have lost each of their last two games in the Championship. The 3-0 loss to Birmingham City was especially disappointing, and Mark Robins’ side now sit 8th in the table.

Team News

Scott McTominay and Antony are pushing to return at the weekend. Both players missed the match against Bournemouth but have a chance to make the matchday squad for the Semi-Final.

Jonny Evans and Raphael Varane have been ruled out for the weekend but should return soon.

Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw, and Victor Lindelof are out until at least May with their long-term injuries. Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are also out.

Coventry City will be without Tatsuhiro Sakamoto and Jamie Allen through injury. Kasey Palmer will miss the Semi-Final through suspension.

Predicted Starting XI

Goalkeeper: Andre Onana
Defenders: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Willy Kambwala, Diogo Dalot
Midfielders: Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes
Attackers: Alejandro Garnacho, Rasmus Hojlund, Marcus Rashford

Match Prediction

Manchester United will return to the FA Cup Final after a 3-1 win against Coventry. The Championship side will grab an early lead through American Haji Wright, but the Reds quality will show through, and Alejandro Garnacho will star with two goals and an assist. Bruno Fernandes will continue his goal-scoring form and grab United’s third.

A Manchester City win against Chelsea will create a rematch of last year’s FA Cup Final.

One Bold Prediction

An FA Cup trophy will save Erik Ten Hag’s job. It’s no secret that Manchester United is linked to every available manager in the world. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is looking increasingly likely to make a change as United’s results worsen. However, if the Reds win the Final, I believe it will be enough to earn Ten Hag one more season under the new leadership. This is especially true if United avenges last season’s defeat against Manchester City.

Drop your score predictions and lineups in the comments!