Manchester United advanced in the FA Cup semi-final… but by god only just.
After what was a whirlwind 120 minutes, a Rasmus Hojlund penalty was the final kick of a cup classic, that saw United advance to their second FA Cup Final in two years.
But it was strange, it didn’t feel too much like a win. Manchester United were, in all honesty, lucky to escape a severe embarrassment.
We can only imagine how one fan would have felt considering where he came from.
From Mongolia to Wembley
A dedicated Manchester United fan embarked on an incredible 11-month journey, cycling from Mongolia to England to watch his beloved team play for the first time. A post went viral commemorating his remarkable efforts.
This is Ochirvaani Batbold, and Manchester United were very close to owing him a huge apology.
United were so lucky not to lose, which would have meant Ochirvaani’s 11-month, 7014 km journey from Mongolia would have ended seeing his side crash out of the FA Cup.
Thank god for VAR, hey?
Manchester United and Erik ten Hag had blemishes spared
Manchester United and Ochirvaani were saved from embarrassment today. But it even felt embarrassing given the manner of the victory. The Manchester United manager disagreed in his post-match press conference:
“This game is not an embarrassment, I don’t see that word… it’s a huge achievement,” Ten Hag begins.
“We achieved two finals in two years. From all the setbacks we’ve had, even today we had 3-3, and need consistency from the referee.”
He then went on to mention his plans for the final.
“I want to win the final vs Man City,” he continues. “I’m sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world.
“This season has had many ups but also many downs. Winning the FA Cup doesn’t make it successful, we want to win more.”
Whether Erik ten Hag can go one better than he did last season will be revealed at the end of May. Another FA Cup final clash against the noisy neighbours awaits.