Milan van Ewijk is proud of his display against Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (Picture: Getty)
Coventry star Milan van Ewijk says he can ‘hold his head high’ after the side’s FA Cup semi-final defeat to Manchester United and believes he kept Marcus Rashford ‘reasonably under control’ at Wembley.
United appeared to have one foot in next month’s final after Scott McTominay, Harry Maguire and Bruno Fernandes all netted inside an hour to give Erik ten Hag’s men a healthy three-goal advantage.
But Coventry – managed by ex-United striker Mark Robins – picked themselves up off the floor to stun the Red Devils, with Ellis Simms and Callum O’Hare scoring before Haji Wright converted a last-gasp penalty to force extra-time.
The Championship outfit appeared to have found a winner deep into extra-time as Victor Torp beat Andre Onana from close range, only for the video assistant referee to disallow the goal for offside.
United went on to prevail on penalties to book their place in the final against the holders Manchester City, with Pep Guardiola’s side overcoming Chelsea in Saturday’s semi-final.
Rashford was largely ineffective before being substituted for Amad Diallo in the 89th minute and Coventry wing-back Van Ewijk put in a commendable performance against the England forward, keeping him quiet for the most part.
Speaking to Dutch publication Voetbal Primeur, Van Ewijk said he was proud of his display despite Coventry – FA Cup winners back in 1987 – missing out on a spot in this year’s final.
United won on penalties to book their place in the final against holders City (Picture: Getty)
‘I kept Rashford reasonably under control, but of course there are moments when he shows his qualities,’ the Netherlands international said.
‘I did play a good game, fortunately. I showed who I am, so I can go home with my head held high.
‘At some point, the game starts turning and then we get the chance.
Van Ewijk is still hurting after Coventry were denied an extra-time winner by VAR (Picture: Getty)
‘Then you feel new energy and with every goal you think it’s still possible.
‘I think it’s human to think there is something to be gained. I’m really proud of the team.
‘It’s sick to be here and play, but then to lose on penalties is really annoying.’
Coventry’s Torp appeared to have won it deep into extra-time (Picture: Getty)
Clearly still hurting from the loss, Van Ewijk says the way in which Coventry were denied a dramatic extra-time winner by VAR ‘really stings’.
‘That ball eventually goes in and I sink to the ground straight away, because I couldn’t do any more,’ he added.
‘Then afterwards you hear the crowd screaming and everyone goes wild, but then suddenly you see that VAR is going to check the goal.
‘Then you start to doubt and then you see how minimal an offside it is. That really stings.’
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There were calls for Erik ten Hag to resign as United escaped a humiliating defeat to Coventry by the skin of their teeth and the Dutchman was forced to defend his position after the game.
On fans wanting him out of the club, Ten Hag told beIN SPORTS: ‘They can have their opinion.
‘But I would say, in the decade when Manchester United were very successful, they only achieved the FA Cup final three times and now we have done it two times in two seasons.
‘We are in there and that’s a huge performance.’
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