Alan Shearer has warned Manchester United warning that it will be difficult to defeat Coventry City despite having the easiest path to the FA Cup final.
United defeated arch-rivals Liverpool in a thrilling 4-3 match on Sunday to advance to the cup's semi-finals, with Amad Diallo scoring the winning goal in the 121st minute.
Further excitement came for fans as the semi-final draw was revealed, with the Red Devils set to play against Coventry from the Championship, thus avoiding Premier League giants Manchester City and Chelsea.
The Sky Blues shocked rivals Wolves with two goals in injury time to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1987 when they emerged victorious in the competition.
Due to the way the draw panned out, many are predicting a repeat of last year’s all Manchester FA Cup final. While Shearer ‘wouldn’t be surprised’ if that materializes, he believes United should be ready for a challenging match.
‘They [United, City and Chelsea] were all hoping for Coventry, which is understandable,’ the esteemed striker stated on The Rest is Football podcast.
‘However, Man United got them and it won’t be an easy game for them. I was really impressed by Coventry.
‘Their manager Mark Robins is doing an exceptional job. Their comeback against Wolves was truly remarkable and it was well-deserved, they were outstanding.
‘But it’s understandable that everyone wanted them in the semi-finals.’
Considering United’s inconsistent form and the unpredictability of the cup, anything could happen when the two teams meet at Wembley on 20/21 April.
The FA Cup is United’s last opportunity for a trophy this season. With speculation surrounding Erik ten Hag’s future, winning it would greatly help in keeping the manager in charge.
New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has been rumored to replace the Dutchman in the summer, but Shearer has praised Ten Hag for achieving such a significant result amidst all the speculation.
‘Every week he probably reads that even if he wins the FA Cup it might not be sufficient,’ he added.
‘They need to finish in the top four, which will be very challenging. He’ll read that they’re already talking to different managers.
‘He has to deal with all of that, so for him to go against Liverpool and win in that manner, and his team are out there battling for him, that's a huge result for him and well done to him.’
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