The Red Devils will be rank outsiders at Wembley on Saturday, but there are plenty of reasons to believe they can stage a shock
Being in the FA Cup final should be something to savour for any football fan, but the truth is many Manchester United fans will be feeling a sense of dread ahead of Saturday's showpiece against Manchester City.
It is easy to see why. City have just become Premier League champions for a record fourth-successive time while United have just finished eighth, their worst performance in the Premier League era. City gained 31 more points than United while scoring an extra 39 goals. Pep Guardiola's side are unbeaten in any competition since December while United were defeated on 19 occasions this season in all competitions. And they had a negative goal difference.
Even Gary Neville, the most staunch of United fans and former players, has admitted he does not want to go to the game at all after the pain of last year's defeat to City. But fear not. Despite all the gloom surrounding the final, there are plenty of reasons to believe that Erik ten Hag's side can pull off a shock and win the FA Cup. Let GOAL explain why…
Getty Underdog mentality
There's no hiding from the fact that everyone expects City to beat United. The Cityzens are the overwhelming favourites according to all bookmakers, with some outlets offering a mere 1/3 odds for a triumph for Guardiola's side. And no one could argue with that.
But United's status as underdogs also means that the pressure will be off them at Wembley. This is a free hit, and they can use that to their advantage. “For me personally, it gives me more energy," said Diogo Dalot.
"We want to be the team in the future that everyone thinks is going to win automatically. I've been at this club for a while now and I want to feel that feeling of dominance in every game and in every competition we play, everywhere we go. So that, for me, is good, because it gives me even more energy to want to win it."
AdvertisementGettyCity still celebrating?
There has always been a small contradiction about this City side. On the one hand, they are the consummate professionals, always in perfect shape at the crucial stage of the season. And in Guardiola they have a coach who does not tolerate slipping standards. On the other hand, they sure like to party, with Jack Grealish the poster boy of their revelry. And having won so many trophies within the last few years, they have had plenty to celebrate.
City's players were allowed to indulge after winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title last Sunday. Grealish, of course, was seen stumbling out of the Fenix bar and restaurant at 5am, while Kevin De Bruyne was spotted slumped in a taxi. Erling Haaland and Rodri also stayed out late, with the Spaniard in particular looking like he had enjoyed himself.
United fans will be hoping that they will still be feeling the effects of their celebration at Wembley. As Gary Neville put it on : "The first thing I was thinking about and I hope it’s true… do you think City will have had a big night out on Sunday night, bladdered like? Just a couple of days and it knocks you back a little bit. We did it 20 years ago. I’m hoping they’re still celebrating!"
Getty Cavalry is back
United's season was rocked by injuries from start to finish. Ten Hag's side suffered more than 60 separate injuries, with players missing over 350 games combined. The manager is in no doubt that the setbacks are the reason why his side performed so badly.
But the good news is that he will be able to field one of his strongest teams of the campaign at Wembley. The return of Lisandro Martinez, who has started just 10 games all season due to three separate injury problems, is the biggest boost for Ten Hag, while Raphael Varane could start alongside him after getting 21 minutes off the bench against Brighton.
Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are unlikely to win their fitness battles, but Marcus Rashford will be back, and there is even a chance that Anthony Martial (remember him?) makes the matchday squad. Now is the time to see how good United can be with most of their best players available.
GettyRashford's point to prove
Rashford will be hurting badly after being left out of England's provisional squad for Euro 2024. The striker cannot complain with Gareth Southgate's decision as he has had a miserable campaign while the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon have shone. But now he has an opportunity to prove Southgate wrong.
He also has a chance to get United fans back onside after his relationship with supporters turned sour. The striker's attitude this season has angered many, but a match-winning performance against City would do a lot to heal the wounds.
Rashford's career has been full of ups and downs, and it should not be forgotten that the exceptional form he showed last season came after a dismal campaign. He has got a knack for bouncing back and proving the public wrong, and if ever there was a time for him to prove a point, it is on Saturday.
