2024 FA Cup Final Preview: Manchester City vs. Manchester United

The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as Manchester City and Manchester United prepare to clash in the 2024 FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, May 25.

This marks the second consecutive year these local rivals will meet in the final, with Manchester City aiming to defend their title and secure an eighth FA Cup trophy, while Manchester United seeks to end an eight-year drought in the competition and salvage their season.

Key Details

• Date: Saturday, May 25, 2024
• Kick-off Time: 3:00 PM BST
• Venue: Wembley Stadium, London

Road to the Final

Both teams have navigated challenging paths to reach the final. Manchester City dispatched Huddersfield Town, Tottenham Hotspur, Luton Town, Newcastle United, and Chelsea en route to Wembley. Meanwhile, Manchester United overcame Wigan Athletic, Newport County, Nottingham Forest, Liverpool, and Coventry City, with the latter tie going to penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.

Team News and Key Players

Manchester City will be without first-choice goalkeeper Ederson due to a fractured eye socket, with Stefan Ortega set to start between the posts. The spotlight will be on prolific striker Erling Haaland, who has scored 38 goals this season, and the creative force of Phil Foden, who has been involved in 10 goals in his last nine appearances.

For Manchester United, defender Harry Maguire is unavailable due to injury, while Victor Lindelöf, Mason Mount, and Anthony Martial are fit to play. However, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain long-term absentees. United will look to Bruno Fernandes, who scored in last year's final, and Marcus Rashford, who boasts a strong record against City, to provide the attacking spark.

Historical Context and Stakes

This final marks a historic occasion, as it is the first time since 1885 that the same two teams will contest the FA Cup final in consecutive years. The winner will not only claim the prestigious trophy but also secure a spot in the 2024–25 UEFA Europa League and earn the right to face the Premier League champions in the 2024 FA Community Shield.

For Manchester United, the stakes are particularly high. With a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Premier League, lifting the FA Cup is their only chance to secure European football next season and end the campaign on a positive note.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Manchester City enters the final as the clear favorites, with odds of 1.17 to win the match and 1/5 to lift the trophy, according to various bookmakers. In contrast, Manchester United's odds stand at 7/1 to win and 5/1 to claim the cup.

Many pundits and betting sites predict a Manchester City victory, with scorelines ranging from 2-1 to 3-0 in their favor. Popular bets include Manchester City winning to nil, leading at both half-time and full-time, and Kevin De Bruyne scoring at any time during the match.

The Manager Situation at Manchester United

Manchester United finds itself embroiled in controversy surrounding the future of manager Erik ten Hag. Despite the Dutchman's efforts to guide the team to the final, multiple reputable sources report that United's new ownership group, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, has already decided to part ways with Ten Hag after the match, regardless of the outcome.

Conclusion

As the 2024 FA Cup Final approaches, football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate a fierce battle between two of England's most successful clubs. While Manchester City is the heavy favorite, the magic of the FA Cup and the unpredictable nature of derby matches mean that anything can happen on the day. Regardless of the outcome, this final promises to be a captivating spectacle and a fitting conclusion to the 2023–24 FA Cup campaign.