FA Cup Final: City to beat United to retain their FA Cup title

Analyzing the FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City, with a focus on Ten Hag's rumored departure and team lineups for the match

The final game of the season is another Manchester Derby, City took the spoils home and, away in the league, will United rain on their FA Cup party? (Photo credit: GOAL)

 

Manchester United vs. Manchester City

Wembley Stadium

3:00pm

Erik Ten Hag's tenure is likely coming to an end, as rumors suggest he will face termination following this season's finale. It's impossible to hold the United hierarchy responsible for this situation.

Manchester City may not equal their treble success of last season, but they’re close to doing a double, which by all standards is a huge success. In a season where they had to wait till the final day to confirm their title and crashed out of the Champions League at the quarterfinals, they will take the double with both hands.

Manchester United endured a torrid season; they finished outside European qualifying spots, and they can only play continental football next season if they win the FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley. They will have to do it the hard way by attempting to get past Manchester City.

On Friday, reports surfaced that the United board made the decision to release Ten Hag following the final. The impact of this decision on the player's mindset before a crucial game on Saturday remains to be seen, but Bruno Fernandes has encouraged the supporters to support the team as they strive to achieve the seemingly unattainable.

Manchester City became the first team in history to win the Premier League title four times in a row, prompting the debate about Pep Guardiola being the best manager ever to do it in the league, but he is a winner who never gets tired of winning; he will be up for it on Saturday.

How will United line up? The Red Devils have ruled out Harry Maguire, but Rafael Varane is available to partner Lisandro Martinez, another returning player.

Marcus Rashford is available for selection; the England forward missed out on Gareth Southgate’s contingent for the 2024 Euros. He is expected to be paired upfront with Rasmus Hojlund and Amad Diallo after the latter impressed at the tail end of the season.

Kobbie Mainoo is in Southgate’s provisional squad for Germany. The youngster will once again take to the field alongside the aging Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. United must be brave if they want to beat their city rivals.

Manchester City has a fit squad; they are known to be disciplined, and you won’t be worried about their state of mind. It’s City’s game to lose considering form, pedigree, and squad quality, but a derby and an FA Cup game are never predictable.

Verdict: Manchester City to win.