FA Cup Final: Manchester United vs Manchester City
1 more game to go!
The final game of the Premier League season has concluded, and despite a first half goal and a saved penalty, Manchester United managed to score two goals which secured them the vital 3 points. As a result, the club managed to finish 3rd in the league table ahead of a resurgent Newcastle.
While third place isn't a greater achievement than fourth, Ten Hag's insistence on playing a strong squad, risking injury to key players, spoke more to his mentality as a manager and the kind of culture he wants to set at the club. (Manchester United could be third, so why not try to finish 3rd?)
Despite achieving his goal, he did end up losing Martial to a hamstring strain, meaning he will be missing the FA Cup final.
Other than that significant loss, Eric Ten Hag will be rolling into Wembley with a strong, motivated squad. It seems that Rashford will have to play the striker role, flanked by the youth sensation, Garnacho and a resurgent Sancho, who has since found a level of form.
Alternatively, Ten Hag may be tempted to go with Wout Weghorst as the only other striker option. While he has been shy in-front of goal since he arrived, Weghorst's remarkable pressing from the front could be vital in nullifying Manchester City's build-up play. It would also ensure that Rashford plays in his preferred role at left-wing.
As a result, Ten Hag would have the option of pushing Rashford into the forward role later in the game and bringing in Garnacho on the left-wing against tired legs - a strategy that has worked with incredible success throughout the season.
However, the match will not be a simple as I put it here. Manchester City are strong favorites for the FA Cup final, and for good reason. Haaland, the Premier League top-scorer will be fit for the game, having been rested in the final match of the season alongside the deadly assist king, Kevin De Bruyne.
Manchester United must replicate what they did when they played Man City at home. All passing lanes to Haaland must be shut. That means someone must stick to De Bruyne at all time. That person must be quick. That person must be FRED!
Regardless of what happens, the FA Cup final promises to be an intense watch for fans and neutrals alike.
I am just hoping that Manchester United can put an end to any treble talk at Wembley and possibly make City doubt themselves ahead of their Champions League final against Inter Milan.
Martial needs help, injuries are following him consistently and this is going to affect his form in the future.
We both know even if Manchester City loses to Man U (which I don't see happening). There is no way City will lose that UCL final to Milan I am 100% certain about that, they can't beat Bayern Munich and Real Madrid just to lose to Inter Milan no way bro.
If we can't sell Martial, we need to let him run down his contract. He has one year remaining. That is why the news that we might be signing two strikers is great.
On City, you can never discount a team in the final. Anything can happen. Obviously I will be cheering on Inter and hoping they have the mental strength and desire to win the CL.
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