THE VAR saved Manchester United from disaster, but this near-capitulation at Wembley surely ended Erik ten Hag's hopes of keeping his job.
United were abject again as they pressed the self-destruct button in one of the most remarkable FA Cup ties in history.
Leading 3-0 against Championship opponents Coventry with 20 minutes left, they were taken to extra-time and avoided defeat only when Victor Torp's last-gasp effort was ruled out for offside by the finest of margins.
United eventually triumphed on penalties, but this was another day that raised more questions about whether Ten Hag is the man to lead a new era under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The INEOS boss was watching from the Royal Box after completing the London Marathon. He ran a time of four and a half hours but, after making a dash across the capital, was probably more exhausted watching United unfold.
This story is from the April 22, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
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This story is from the April 22, 2024 edition of Evening Standard.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
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