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Manchester City head into Saturday’s FA Cup final as favourites against city rivals Manchester United whose manager Erik ten Hag could be taking charge of his final match with the Red Devils.
The stage is set for a captivating clash between Manchester City and Manchester United in the FA Cup final, and the narrative couldn't be more contrasting for these two iconic clubs.
For Manchester City, the opportunity to secure a Premier League-FA Cup double adds another chapter to their recent dominance under Pep Guardiola.
Fresh from clinching the league title, they are poised to cap off their season with another significant trophy. The prospect of achieving such a feat in front of a packed Wembley crowd only adds to the sense of occasion for City.
On the other hand, Manchester United find themselves in a precarious position, desperately seeking redemption in what has been a disappointing campaign by their lofty standards.
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17:32 - 24.05.2024
Manchester United to sack Erik ten Hag even if he wins FA Cup
Manchester United have reportedly decided to sack manager Erik ten Hag even if the Red Devils beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
Ahead of the final, here is everything you need to know.
Team news
City, 2-1 winners against United in the FA Cup final last season, are at full strength albeit goalkeeper Ederson will miss out after a facial injury sustained against Tottenham earlier this month with Stefan Ortega west to deputise.
After a season which was plagued by injuries, United will have most of their big hitters available with only Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia the absentees.
United are bolstered by the returns of Anthony Martial, Victor Lindelof and Mason Mount. Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez are also both likely available to start.
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07:23 - 25.05.2024
FA Cup final: Will Rashford put Euro 2024 snub behind him to stun history-chasing Man City?
The Manchester United forward has hurt Pep Guardiola’s men in the past, and he seeks a repeat for the desperate Red Devils.
Man City chase more history
For City, it's about further solidifying their status as the dominant force in English football, while for United, it's a chance to salvage pride and end the season on a high note amidst uncertainty and disappointment.
City's potential achievement of securing the league title and FA Cup double for the third time would undoubtedly be a historic milestone for the club. To accomplish such a feat in consecutive seasons would further underline their dominance in English football under Pep Guardiola's stewardship.
The significance of this potential achievement is heightened by the exclusive company City would join, alongside Manchester United and Arsenal, as the only clubs to have achieved this rare feat. City's ability to replicate their success in both domestic competitions in back-to-back campaigns would solidify their place among the elite in English football history.
Moreover, the prospect of facing Manchester United once again in the FA Cup final adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, marking the first time since 1885 that the final will feature the same two clubs in consecutive years.
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19:42 - 24.05.2024
FA Cup final: Andre Onana makes honest Manchester United admission
The goalkeeper has assessed his first year at Old Trafford before Saturday’s encounter against Manchester City.
Ten Hag’s farewell?
The uncertainty surrounding manager Erik ten Hag's future only adds to the intrigue surrounding United's situation. With reports swirling about potential changes in the boardroom and management, there's a palpable sense of anticipation ahead of the final.
At his pre-match press conference, Ten Hag was inevitably questioned about the speculation surrounding his tenure at the club. While the uncertainty looms large, the focus remains on the task at hand: preparing the team for the FA Cup final and delivering a performance worthy of the occasion.
Reports on Friday claimed Ten Hag will be sacked whether he wins the FA Cup or not and this could be an opportunity for the Dutchman to say goodbye.
Newcastle supporting Man City
For Newcastle and Chelsea fans, the outcome of the final will directly impact their European aspirations for the upcoming season. A Manchester United victory would see them secure a Europa League spot, joining Tottenham Hotspur in the competition.
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22:58 - 23.05.2024
‘It’ll Be Strange When He Does Go' — Manchester City's Phil Foden Dreading Life Without Guardiola
Premier League Player of the Year is dreading the prospect of losing manager Pep Guardiola
However, if Manchester City emerge triumphant, Chelsea would be elevated to the Europa League due to their sixth-place finish in the Premier League, while Newcastle, who finished seventh, would earn a spot in the Europa Conference League.
When & where to watch
The match will kick off at 5p (East African time) and will be live on SuperSport TV.
Predicted lineups
Man City XI: Ortega; Walker, Akanji, Dias, Gvardiol; Rodri, Kovacic; Silva, De Bruyne, Foden; Haaland
Man United XI: Onana; Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot; Casemiro, Mainoo; Fernandes, McTominay; Garnacho, Amad
Follow us on X (Twitter) for more updates.
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