Erik ten Hag says Manchester United 'need to win' FA Cup after chaotic semi-final win over Coventry City

Erik ten Hag denied his Manchester United do not have the “right mentality” but said they “need to win” the FA Cup this season.

United might count themselves fortunate after letting a 3-0 lead slip against Championship side Coventry City on Sunday, especially as they had a tight offside call go their way to stop them going 4-3 behind, and then scraping through 4-2 on penalties.

United are out of the UEFA Champions League having been knocked out in the group stages, and were eliminated from the Carabao Cup in the round-of-16

They currently sit seventh, level on points with Newcastle above them, as they look to secure some form of European football next season.

Speaking to ITV after his side’s nervy win, Ten Hag conceded there were some weaknesses in his team’s performance.

He said: "We can't say this group doesn't have the right mentality because they showed character today, but in the final part there was a lack of discipline.

"It's mixed feelings. We can be happy with the achievement, getting to the final, that's huge.

"Even the big Manchester United only achieved it three times and we achieved it twice in two years. We need to win that final though.”

Ten Hag then said that Manchester City, their local rivals and opponents in the final, were “the best team in the world” but that his team could still prevail.

He added: "I want to win it. I'm sure we have a good chance to win this final, although we play the best team in the world.

"We do have a chance though. We showed that this season.

"This season has had many ups but also many downs. Winning the FA Cup doesn't make it successful, we want to win more.”

- - -

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.