Coventry City manager Mark Robins says he won’t be fooled by reports of the death of FA Cup opponents Manchester United ahead of their semi-final clash.
The tournament is the Red Devils’ last likelihood to salvage trophies from a disappointing campaign.
They will face Championship side Coventry at Wembley on Sunday at 3.30pm BST.
“I hear people talking about Manchester United, they are this, they are that – the truth is they have great, top players,” Robins told BBC Radio CWR.
“Football people, pundits, talk derisively about Manchester United – realistically, on any given day they can hurt anyone.
“Last week we drew 2-2 with Liverpool, the goals were amazing and the counter-attacking was brilliant at times.
“You have a lot of things to consider, especially as a Championship club coming up against the biggest club in the world.”
Robins began his profession at Old Trafford and in football folklore is believed to be his 1990 FA Cup third round winner at Nottingham Forest saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s joband in addition scored the winning goal in beyond regular time in United’s semi-final replay victory over Oldham en path to eventual victory over Crystal Palace.
A yr later, the former striker also won the Cup Winners’ Cup with United.
“Playing them at Wembley will be something special and an experience of a lifetime for the players,” the 54-year-old told Football Focus.
He added: “Playing at the national stadium against Manchester United couldn’t be any bigger. It’s not really a normal occasion for us – it’s a normal occasion for Manchester United.
“They play a lot at Wembley, they have England players and it is an expectation for both them and their fans. It’s a bit different for us, although we’ve been there four times in seven years.”
“Take up the challenge – don’t be afraid”
While Manchester United’s struggles are well documented, with six points from their last 21 available in the Premier League all but ending any hopes of a top-four finish, Robins is more concerned about his own team’s failure.
Last season, the Sky Blues reached the Championship play-off final, losing to Luton on penalties we’re eight points behind sixth place with 4 games left, and their game was hampered by recent consecutive defeats.
“First of all, we have to be right – we have lost three of the last four games, and at this stage of the season that is certainly not great form,” Robins said.
“After this weekend we could be 11 points behind [sixth-placed Norwich] – it is very unlikely that we will get into the play-offs, so this is a match we can fully focus on.
Coventry scored twice in stoppage time to stun Premier League Wolves in the quarter-finals and left fans dreaming of a repeat of 1987, when the Sky Blues lifted the trophy only once.
“This is only the second time in the club’s history that we have been in the FA Cup semi-final,” added Robins.
“It’s a great occasion, one of the most important games that most of our players have been involved in.
“We know it’s a big challenge, but it’s not the same as being afraid of it. You must take up this challenge.
“When the whistle blows, it’s up to the players to execute the game plan and if they can do it right, they have a chance.”
Credit : www.bbc.co.uk
