Mark Robins once saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s career at Manchester United, but now he might mean the end for Erik ten Hag.
The Coventry boss faces his old team on Sunday afternoon, live on talkSPORT, hoping to pull off a giant-killing and advance to the FA Cup final.
When the semi-final ties were drawn, Robins’ Sky Blues were assigned a glamour match versus Manchester United, which brought back happy memories.
He is a former Red Devil who started his career with the club, playing for both the youth and first teams, totaling 61 appearances and 16 goals.
The most noteworthy of them occurred in 1990.
The former striker was just 20 years old at the time and was just starting out for United, who were having a bad run of play.
After 11 league games without a victory, they were tasked with facing Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
It is commonly stated that Ferguson’s job was on the line in that game, with another loss possibly ending his tenure as manager.
But Robins saved him, scoring the winning goal in the 56th minute to keep United in the tournament.
That strike not only kept Sir Alex in his job, but it also resulted in the team winning the FA Cup after defeating Crystal Palace in a final replay.
It was a critical goal, and former United assistant manager and defender Mike Phelan believes the victory was the trigger for the club’s revival that season.
Phelan told the Guardian: “We thought it was a big game because we had suffered a little bit building up to it.
“There was a lot of chatter about Alex being under pressure, but we were focused on the game and how vital it was for us overall to get momentum.
“[The victory] boosted us confidence. We began the season quite well, but then we faded a little, and all of the outside noise came in, hearing about how we were not as good as this or that squad in United’s history.
“Those criticisms will not stop unless you start performing and winning games. Certain outcomes at certain periods are critical to your conviction in your ability to succeed.
“From that big moment, it did cement the players after showing we had grit and determination.”
Given what Manchester United accomplished under Sir Alex, Robins may be seen as a savior and pioneer in the club’s prosperity.
He may, however, deal a significant blow to their present circumstances, perhaps leading to the dismissal of Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag.
Gary Neville is stunned when ex-Manchester United player and Germany icon Bastien Schweinsteiger admits Jose Mourinho refused to let him practice with the first squad.
Ten Hag has walked a delicate line this season, with his team falling short of their customary standards in the Premier League and being eliminated from the Carabao Cup.
United’s prospects of qualifying for the Champions League are all but gone, and performances have raised serious concerns about the Dutchman’s position.
However, winning the FA Cup might provide him with another chance.
If his team loses, Ten Hag’s career may be over, and Robins would have played a significant role in the future of another Manchester United manager.
To get to the final, Coventry will need to defeat a big giant at Wembley Stadium.
They have previously defeated Premier League opponents Wolves in the tournament and will be confident that they can capture another major scalp.
On Sunday, talkSPORT will broadcast the game live, with Jim Proudfoot and Stuart Pearce providing analysis.
Read Also: Dan Ashworth wants to win over £120M double swoop at Man Utd before summer
Read Also: Man Utd can sign four wingers as replacement After Jadon Sancho agrees £45M deal