The 143rd edition of the English FA Cup culminates on Saturday, May 25, 2024, with defending champions, Manchester City, facing neighbors Manchester United.
Manchester City are gunning for back-to-back FA Cup titles, having defeated the Red Devils 2-1 to win the trophy last season.
The Cityzens head into the final as favorites, with recent history seeing them silence giants Manchester United.
IIkay Gundogan’s brace in the final of the 2022/23 FA Cup was instrumental to Pep Guardiola’s side’s triumph, with Marcus Rashford netting the lone goal via the spot for the Red Devils.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have been wishy-washy this campaign, with the team having to wave a magic wand when their back is against the wall.
They dispatched Wigan Athletic, Newport County, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Coventry City to get to the FA Cup final.
The clash against the Reds was a rollercoaster ride, as both teams showed their attacking capabilities following several defensive capitulations.
A late goal from Amad Diallo in the 120+1 minute gave Manchester United a 4-3 quarter-final victory over Liverpool at Old Trafford.
Semi-final FA Cup Drama At Wembley
In the semi-final, they had built a 3-goal lead over Coventry City, however, defensive mishaps alongside a tale of being unfortunate resulted in them throwing away their advantage.
Erik Ten Hag’s side were also on the cusp of being bundled out, if not for a VAR review, which made a late goal scored by Coventry City be disallowed for offside.
Manchester United have also endured a torrid campaign across all competitions, and they will be looking to end the term on a high by winning the FA Cup.
Anyway, Manchester City, who recently made history by becoming the first English side to win the Premier League title four seasons consecutively have been wonderful this term.
It appears like they have dropped a yard or two in terms of their standards, however, the whole of Europe have Real Madrid to thank, as the Cityzens could probably be strolling to another treble.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side bundled Manchester City out of the UEFA Champions League with a quarter-final win via penalties.
They have lost 4 times in normal time across all competitions this campaign, and this definitely indicates a side that is sound and magnificent.
Meanwhile, they defeated Huddersfield Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, Newcastle United, and Chelsea to book their place in the final.
Their 4th round clash against Tottenham Hotspur was their fiercest test, as they had to wait until the 88th minute before securing the victory through a goal from Nathan Ake.
Manchester City also didn’t have it easy in the semi-final against Chelsea, as they fought hard amid fatigue 3 days after playing over 120 minutes of action including penalties against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
It will be interesting to see how the pendulum would swing in the final, with Pep Guardiola’s side tipped as favorites, having defeated Manchester United in both of their league meetings.
Manchester United Vs Manchester City 2023/24 League Results Ahead Of The FA Cup Final
The Cityzens defeated Erik Ten Hag’s side 3-0 at Old Trafford, before winning at the Etihad in the reverse fixture by 3-1.
This is the first final to feature the same teams in consecutive seasons since the 1884/85 campaign.
The winners of the trophy will get an automatic ticket into the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League league group stage.
They will also earn the right to play against the winners of the 2023/24 Premier League (Manchester City) in the 2024 FA Community Shield
If Manchester City win the FA Cup, then the Community Shield would be contested by the Cityzens and Arsenal, who finished 2nd on the Premier League table.
The 2023/24 FA Cup will be the last edition to feature replays in the non-qualifying rounds, and in years to come the final is expected to be played before the conclusion of the Premier League season.
These changes were made as part of a six-year agreement involving the Football Association and the Premier League.
It came to the fore due to pressure on the domestic calendar from expanded UEFA competitions.
However, the changes have been bashed by many football enthusiasts, as replays can be a major source of revenue for lower-league teams.
Team News For Manchester City
Manchester City go to Wembley with virtually every player in good shape to play, except for goalkeeper Ederson Moraes.
Ederson is absent from the fixture due to a facial injury he sustained during the Cityzens title-deciding clash against Tottenham Hotspur on May 14, 2024.
Manchester City will obviously go with Stefan Ortega, who has impressed every time he has been handed the opportunity.
Team News For Manchester United
For Manchester United, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez returned on the final weekend of the league campaign and the duo could start at Wembley.
That encounter will also be Varane’s last game as a Manchester United player, having revealed earlier in May 2024 that he will be exiting the club when his contract expires.
Additionally, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw are all battling to regain fitness, while Anthony Martial will likely play no part in the game even if he recovers from groin surgery in time.
Martial will also exit Manchester United when his contract comes to an end in the summer of 2024.
Expected Line-up For Manchester City:
Ortega (GK), Gvardiol, Akanji, Dias, Walker, Rodri, Foden, De Bruyne, Silva, Doku, and Haaland
Expected Line-up For Manchester United:
Onana (GK), Wan-Bissaka, Casemiro, Martinez, Dalot, Mainoo, Amrabat, Diallo, Garnacho, McTominay, and Fernandes
Prediction: Manchester City 2-2 Manchester United after extra time. (PK: Manchester City 3-4 Manchester United).
Kick-off Time And Date: 03:00 PM, Saturday, May 25, 2024.
