Rarely, possibly never, has a Manchester United manager come through an FA Cup semi-final victorious but with so little credit.
Yet that's the situation facing Erik ten Hag after United's memorable Wembley tie with Coventry City, which they won only via a penalty shootout. It could have been very different had Victor Torp's goal not been ruled out for an offside in the build-up. Only VAR saved United from complete embarrassment.
At that moment, Coventry thought they'd nicked it 4-3, after United had led 3-0 and seemed to be cruising.
The manner of United's collapse at Wembley, and some of the substitutions by Ten Hag that appeared to contribute to it, has created more questions for the Dutchman.
Ten Hag responded to such speculation after the semi-final by saying: "That would be crazy. You need the tools to manage this. With all the injuries we don’t have so many tools, we don’t even have a back four in their best positions."
Have your say on Ten Hag's future as Man United boss – what should the club do?
But that will not stop the rumours swirling with regards to Ten Hag's future. Thomas Tuchel is the latest name to be vociferously linked to United, after Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter were previously touted for the job.
It seems likely that INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will make a change. Ten Hag could potentially save himself if he leads United to victory over Manchester City in the cup final; otherwise, he is scrapping for his future.
