FA Cup Final Preview, Manchester City Vs Manchester United

FA Cup Final Preview, Manchester City Vs Manchester United




The 2023-24 FA Cup Final between Manchester City and Manchester United kicks off at 10 AM ET on Saturday, May 25th on ESPN in the U.S. It is a repeat of last year’s final and only the second time ever that soccer’s oldest competition has culminated with a Manchester Derby. 


Based on current form this is a David vs Goliath matchup, however, formbooks can be thrown out the window in a Manchester Derby. To preview the final I spoke with legendary commentator Jon Champion and FA Cup finalist, turned pundit Craig Burley.

Reasons to Watch

The way both sides competed this season there should only be one winner in this final. Manchester City finished 31 points ahead of Manchester United as they romped to their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

 Meanwhile, the Red Devils finished in 8th place, their lowest-ever final position in a Premier League season. Manchester United even finished with a negative goal difference, conceding more shots than the Derby County side that won only won one game across the entire 2007-08 season.

On their way to this season’s FA Cup final, Manchester City defeated fellow Premier League heavyweights Tottenham, Newcastle United, and Chelsea. Manchester United on the other hand played in fits and starts according to Jon Champion. The Red Devils scraped past Newport County, before rising to the occasion and dumping Jürgen Klopp’s Liverpool out of the competition.

 Then, in the semi-final, United took a comfortable three-goal lead against Coventry City and then proceeded to fall apart in the last twenty minutes of the game conceding three goals, and nearly losing the game in extra-time before winning on penalties.

However, Jon Champion believes the potential for a one-sided affair should not deter fans from watching the end-of-season spectacle. He says, “If I was looking for a reason to watch this game,

 I’d just say it’s your chance to put your feet up with a beer and watch what is currently the best football team in the world, Manchester City.” While that prospect won’t encourage United fans, it certainly sounds like an enjoyable way to spend an early Saturday morning.


United fans will need to approach the game with hope rather than expectation. Champion says the Red Devils have a puncher’s chance, while Craig Burley believes the only way for United to win is on the counterattack. 

There is the possibility that the prospect of a Manchester Derby, and bragging rights over the city, further motivate a wounded team. However, the Red Devils will have to play to their maximum potential and hope that City has an off day.

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