Erik ten Hag's Manchester United future could be decided in the space of just seven days

When Erik ten Hag steps off the Manchester United team bus at Wembley on Sunday, he will not require directions from a Wembley official to the dressing room area.

This weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City will mark the Dutchman's fourth visit to the national stadium since taking charge of United two years ago. His first was for last season's Carabao Cup final and his two most recent visits were for last season's FA Cup semi-final and final.

It was underneath the famous arch that Ten Hag guided United to their first trophy since 2017, overseeing a 2-0 win over Newcastle. He dreamed of visiting the Royal Balcony for a second time when facing Manchester City in the second domestic cup final of the season in June.

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United, of course, were on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline that day, meaning Ten Hag's first season at Old Trafford concluded with one trophy and a top four finish, securing Champions League qualification. While those achievements were not comparable with United's successes of yesteryear, they represented steps in the right direction.

Ahead of Sunday's tussle with Coventry, however, United know they must win to keep their season alive. Their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League for next season are as good as over, they exited the Carabao Cup early on and their participation in Europe was over before children had finished scoffing the contents of their advent calendars.

Winning the FA Cup is the only way United can salvage something from what has been a forgettable campaign. It may also be the only way Ten Hag