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Now the Premier League season has come to an end, all eyes are on the FA Cup final, with what’s gearing up to be a repeat of last year’s final between Manchester United and their fierce rivals, Manchester City.
City are looking to be favourites to lift the trophy going into the game, completing the domestic double and defending the title for another year having won last year 2-1 from a Ilkay Gundogan brace with Bruno Fernandes clawing one back for the Red Devils.
Although unsuccessful last year, Erik ten Hag’s side go into the match full of faith they can hold City at bay and come away with the trophy, which leads us to the first reason United could win, everyone loves an underdog. Despite last year’s final being a close fought game, it’s not predicted to be the same this year with United experiencing a poor Premier League season finishing in 8th place overall. Alongside this, City go into the game with bragging rights on their side having an aggregate score of 6-1 from the two Manchester Derbies this season. This does take the pressure off the team though as no-one is expecting the win, however this lack of faith can be the momentum the boys need to prove everyone wrong and come out on top, not to mention the idea of taking revenge for their loses to City over the last season.
It’s also worth noting that a number of players are coming back from injury, with Bruno Fernandes, Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane now all making appearances on the pitch, ten Hag has more of his regular options to choose from.
More than all of this though, United and ten Hag need this win. After their poor results, Erik ten Hag’s future hangs in the balance and a loss at Wembley won’t help matters.
With all this in mind, there are definitely some reasons to still have faith in United ahead of the coming final, with upsets being a regular part of the beautiful game.
