I saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job on way to winning FA Cup with Manchester United – now I can strike hammer blow to Erik ten Hag

Mark Robins once saved Sir Alex Ferguson’s job at Manchester United – but he can now potentially spell the end for Erik ten Hag.

The Coventry manager faces his former club on Sunday afternoon, live on talkSPORT, aiming to pull off a giant massacre and reach the FA Cup final.

Robins will have had fond memories of returning once the draw was made for the semi-finals as his Sky Blues were handed a glamor match against Man United.

He is a former Red Devil and began his career at the club, playing for the youth and first team, making 61 appearances in total and scoring 16 goals.

And the most important of them took place in 1990.

The former striker was just 20 years old at the time and was breaking through at United, who were going through a difficult time.

After a run of 11 league matches without a win, they had to face Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

It is widely reported that Ferguson’s job was on the line in this match, with another defeat potentially meaning the end of his tenure as boss.

But Robins would save it by scoring the winner in the 56th minute and keeping United in the competition.

This strike not only kept Sir Alex his job, but it also led to an FA Cup title as the club got their hands on the trophy, beating Crystal Palace in a final replay.

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It was a crucial goal and former United assistant manager and defender Mike Phelan believed the victory was the catalyst for their turnaround that season.

Phelan told the Guardian: “We felt it was a huge match because we had struggled a bit before.

“There was a lot of talk about Alex being under pressure, but we weren’t thinking about that, we were focused on the game and how important it was for us in general to gain momentum.

“(The victory) gave us confidence. We started the season pretty well, but we faded a bit and then all the outside noise seeped in, hearing us say we weren’t as good as this or that team in United’s history.

“Those comments don’t leave you until you start playing and winning games. Certain results at certain times are essential to your belief in what you can achieve.

“From that big moment, it cemented the players after showing we had courage and determination.”

Now knowing what Manchester United have achieved under Sir Alex, Robins can be seen as a savior for the club and a pioneer of its success.

However, it can deal a major blow to their current situation and potentially cause Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag to lose his job.

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Ten Hag have walked a fine line this campaign, with his side deviating from their usual Premier League standards and being eliminated from the Carabao Cup.

United’s hopes of qualifying for a Champions League place are also over, and the performances raise major questions about the Dutchman’s job.

But winning the FA Cup could give him another lifeline.

If his team is beaten it could mean the end for Ten Hag and Robins would have played a major role in another Man United manager’s future.

Coventry are aiming to carry out a major massacre at Wembley to reach the final.

They have already beaten Premier League opponents Wolves in the competition and will believe they can claim another huge scalp.

talkSPORT will have live coverage of the match on Sunday with commentary from Jim Proudfoot and Stuart Pearce.