Manchester United came perilously close to one of the most stunning collapses in FA Cup Semi-Final history. Comfortably ahead 3-0 deep into the second half, they nearly succumbed to a spirited comeback from Mark Robins’ Coventry City, a formidable Championship team that refused to bow out without a fight. The match ultimately went down to the wire, decided by a nail-biting penalty shootout in which United emerged victorious.
John Barnes, the iconic former England winger, spoke to us at MyBettingSites, to unpack the dramatic events of the game and to consider what this means for United’s manager, Erik ten Hag.
In this article:
- United must use Mikel Arteta as an example of ten Hag
- Toney nor Solanke will solve United’s bigger issues
- Bruno Fernandes makes himself look good but does it benefit United?
United must use Mikel Arteta as an example of ten Hag
Manchester United seemed destined for their second consecutive FA Cup Final, leading 3-0 and dominating the match. Then, in a turn of events that seems all too familiar to their fans, chaos ensued — a hallmark of their turbulent second season under Erik ten Hag. Coventry City, undeterred and resilient, fought back to level the score at 3-3 in the second half. If not for a VAR decision that disallowed Victor Torp’s goal in the 120th minute, United would have been on the wrong end of one of the biggest FA Cup upsets.
Despite a season filled with disappointments and the alarming second-half collapse against Coventry, Barnes firmly believes that Manchester United should maintain their faith in ten Hag. He highlights the importance of stability and continued support for the manager, even amidst challenging times.
“When Manchester United play well, they play well. Their inconsistency has nothing to do with ten Hag. The issue is that the fans will boo the manager and not the players when things aren’t going well.”
“Look at Emery who has gone elsewhere after Arsenal and done well despite being hounded out at Arsenal.”
“When United played well they put it down to the players. When they don’t, the fans blame the manager. As long as that keeps happening, any manager that comes in won’t be successful.”
“Arteta is another example of backing the manager when things aren’t going well and I think United should follow suit.”
“ten Hag is a very good manager and he’s the right man for the job. It’s the players that need to be held accountable.”
Toney nor Solanke will solve United’s bigger issues
Manchester United’s search for attacking reinforcements has led to strong links with Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who seems poised to leave the London club this summer. Amidst reports of Toney seeking a significant wage increase to £250,000 a week, the discussion around United’s forward line intensifies. Throughout much of the season, the Red Devils have leaned on 21-year-old Rasmus Højlund, who has experienced a mixed debut season at Old Trafford.
Despite Toney’s impressive credentials and the apparent need for more firepower up front, Barnes remains sceptical about the necessity of such an acquisition. Barnes argues that signing Toney is not the panacea for United’s broader challenges
“I don’t think signing a striker is the solution to the issues at Manchester United. I think it’s more of an issue for Arsenal who need a presence in the penalty area in terms of the way they play.”
“The problem with United is that Onana is overworked which is to do with their shape when they haven’t got the ball. Having the energy and the willingness to work back. I don’t think United need a striker.
“They’ve got Hojlund who is young and has shown some promise this season.”
“Toney and Solanke are both good players but it won’t solve their issues.”
Bruno Fernandes makes himself look good but does it benefit United?
Bruno Fernandes, to many since his arrival at Manchester United, has been nothing short of transformative. Yet, he finds himself polarising opinion among fans and the media. Fernandes, with his aggressive and direct style of play, does not fit the mould of a traditional number ten. His approach naturally results in a high number of turnovers, yet as things stand and despite these criticisms, Fernandes’s impact on the field is undeniable. His ability to produce moments of brilliance—whether it’s a crucial goal or an assist out of nowhere —is a testament to his importance to the team. But could United be better off without Fernandes?
“I understand why Bruno runs people up the wrong way. His antics on the pitch, throwing his hands in the air and criticising his team mates which we don’t like in England.”
“He’s a hungry player but I can see why it upsets people.”
“It could be interesting to see if United wanted to go down a different direction from the likes of Bruno and Rashford.
“Bruno is a fantastic player but as with Coutinho at Liverpool, Kane at Tottenham, Grealish at Villa and Bruno at United they are players that dominate the ball.”
“Bruno takes free kicks, corners, throw ins, he roams to left back, right back, up front and wants to do everything which Coutinho used to do.”
“It makes him look good but doesn’t necessarily help the team.”
