It has been over 16 years since Manchester United last had an official match against Coventry City, their opponent in the FA Cup semi-final taking place this weekend.
The two clubs regularly faced each other during the 1990s before Coventry was relegated in 2001.
Although in September 2007, the team playing at the Coventry Building Society Arena still caused an upset against the Red Devils when they defeated Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad 2-0 at Old Trafford in a League Cup third-round match. Below is the starting lineup of Manchester United in this defeat.
Goalkeeper Tomasz Kuszczak, a Polish star, dedicated 6 years to Manchester United. Afterwards, Kuszczak moved on to play for Watford, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Wolverhampton Wanderers before officially retiring at Birmingham City in 2009.
Right-back Danny Simpson: Simpson was a product of the Manchester United academy, but the English star’s reputation soared when the defender, born in 1987, won the Premier League title with Leicester City in 2016.
Center-back Jonny Evans: He is the only name in this lineup who is still playing for Manchester United. This season, Evans has returned to play for the Red Devils after 8 years of dedication to West Brom and Leicester.
Center-back Gerard Piqué: He had a stint with Manchester United but became a legend at Barcelona with 14 years of dedication to the Catalan club. Despite being regarded as one of the finest defenders in football history, Piqué faced numerous challenges against the forward Michael Mifsud on the away side in this match.
Left-back Phil Bardsley: At the end of this season, Bardsley left Manchester United to join Sunderland, and later played for Stoke City, Burnley, and Stockport.
Right winger Chris Eagles: After this match, Eagles spent another 4 years with the Red Devils before moving to Burnley in 2011. His career thereafter became closely associated with lower-league teams.
Central midfielder Anderson: The Brazilian star spent 8 years dedicating himself to Old Trafford before returning home and retiring in Turkey in the twilight of his career.
Midfielder John O’Shea: The Irish star was one of Ferguson’s favorites due to his versatility on the field. O’Shea parted ways with Man United in 2011 to join Sunderland.
Left winger Lee Martin: Martin’s career didn’t shine brightly as the English midfielder mainly played for lower-league clubs in English football.
Striker Dong Fangzhou: The Chinese star didn’t have enough ability to break into Manchester United’s first team. After 4 years with the Red Devils, Fangzhou wandered across Europe before ending his career in his homeland.
Striker Nani: The Portuguese star shone brightly at Manchester United, scoring many beautiful goals. During his time with the Red Devils, Nani won 4 Premier League titles along with 1 Champions League trophy.