Manchester United enter their 22nd FA Cup final, a record in the competition’s history, needing to defeat Manchester City to qualify for next season’s Europa League.
This necessity arises after United’s lowest-ever Premier League finish, eighth place, was confirmed last weekend, despite their victories over Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion in their final two matches.
Four days after a thrilling 3-2 win over Newcastle at Old Trafford, Manchester United secured another victory against Brighton on Sunday. Second-half goals from Diogo Dalot and Rasmus Hojlund led to a 2-0 win. However, this victory wasn’t enough to surpass Newcastle, who secured seventh place with a 4-2 triumph over Brentford, edging United out on goal difference.
As they prepare for Saturday’s final, Manchester United face a daunting challenge. They have lost six of their last seven meetings with Manchester City across all competitions, conceding 21 goals in the process, including defeats in their last three encounters. Despite this, United have a favorable FA Cup record against City, winning five of their last seven matches.
However, both of their losses in this period were at Wembley, including last season’s final, where Ilkay Gundogan’s brace, starting with a goal just 12 seconds into the match, led to a 2-1 defeat for Erik ten Hag’s side.
The kickoff for the FA Cup final is scheduled for Saturday, May 28, at 3:00 PM.
Manchester United’s possible starting lineup: Onana, Lisandro Martínez, Casemiro, Diogo Dalot, Wan Bissaka, Kobbie Mainoo, Amrabat, Scott McTominay, Garnacho, Amad, and Bruno Fernandes.
