As the FA Cup final approaches, Manchester United and Manchester City prepare for a highly anticipated clash at Wembley Stadium. Erik ten Hag, possibly managing his final match for Manchester United, faces the formidable challenge of Pep Guardiola’s City, who are eyeing a remarkable domestic double.
Erik ten Hag is set to name his last Manchester United lineup amidst speculation about his future. Despite the odds, he aims to thwart City’s ambitions. Unfortunately, he must do so without three key players: Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Tyrell Malacia. In contrast, Pep Guardiola will be without goalkeeper Ederson, with Stefan Ortega set to start in goal.
For City, Ortega will guard the net, supported by a backline of Kyle Walker, Ruben Dias, Manuel Akanji, and Josko Gvardiol. Rodri will anchor the midfield, with Bernardo Silva, Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Jeremy Doku orchestrating the attack. Erling Haaland will spearhead the offense.
United, coping with significant defensive absences, will rely on Andre Onana as the last line of defense. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Lisandro Martinez, and Diogo Dalot will form the back four. Casemiro, despite recent struggles, will partner with breakout star Kobbie Mainoo in midfield. Ahead of them, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, and Amad Diallo will support Rasmus Hojlund, who is set to lead the line after a mixed first season at Old Trafford.
City enter the final as favorites, having celebrated their fourth consecutive Premier League title. Guardiola’s men are expected to retain the FA Cup, replicating their 2-1 victory in last year’s final. Meanwhile, United’s journey has been tumultuous, with a mid-table league finish casting doubt on ten Hag’s future.
United captain Bruno Fernandes, in a heartfelt blog post, expressed his desire for the club to match his ambitions. He wrote, “I love to step out at Old Trafford more than anything in the world. I don’t want to leave. This has always been my ultimate dream. We want to compete for the league, play Champions League football, and be in cup finals. That is the standard. That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”
Predicted Lineups
Man City (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Ortega
- Defenders: Walker, Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol
- Midfielders: Rodri; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden, Doku
- Forward: Haaland
Man Utd (4-2-3-1):
- Goalkeeper: Onana
- Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot
- Midfielders: Casemiro, Mainoo; Garnacho, Fernandes, Amad
- Forward: Hojlund