SIR JIM RATCLIFFE didn’t watch Manchester United’s entire FA Cup semi-final nail-biter against Coventry at Wembley.
United escaped a massive upset that would have forever lived in infamy as the Sky Blues came from 3-0 down to level things up at the death.
Sir Ji Ratcliffe had an ice bath after completing the London Marathon and was late at WembleyCredit: Getty
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag missed the chance to impress Ratcliffe with a stunning startCredit: Rex
The Championship outfit also came agonisingly close from snatching victory when a last-gasp goal by Victor Torp was denied by VAR as Haji Wright was caught just inches offside during the buildup.
Ratcliffe, 71, saw all of Coventry’s goals and was left fretting just like every other Man Utd fan until VAR saved the Manchester giants’ blushes.
According to The Mail, Sir Jim arrived late at Wembley after completing the London Marathon with an impressive 4hr 30min 52sec finish.
The Red Devils’ minority shareholder, who is in charge of all sporting operations at Old Trafford, didn’t appear until the second half as he was delayed by an ice bath he had at the RAC Club after the race.
The bath didn’t allow the British businessman to watch Erik ten Hag’s side fly in the first half.
United led 2-0 at half-time thanks to goals by Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire.
It is not yet known if Ratcliffe got the chance to see Bruno Fernandes hitting the back of the net later on in the 58th minute.
That strong start could have done wonders in the INEOS chairman’s eyes while he continues to assess Ten Hag’s future at the helm.
However, the United supremo was there for his team’s late capitulation that saw Ellis Simms, Callum O’Hare and Wright hitting the target.
Ten Hag’s position has come under fire amid a turbulent campaign that has been marred by hapless performances and disappointing results.
However, the Dutch tactician avoided another heartbreak as he just managed to lead his team to a second consecutive FA Cup final against Manchester City after beating Coventry 4-2 on penalties.
