FA Cup Final Big Questions: Can Manchester United Stop City from Winning the Treble? Can United Halt Haaland?


History is in the making as Manchester City and Manchester United face off in the 142nd FA Cup final, with two "doubles" and even a "treble" at stake.

Saturday's clash at Wembley will either see Premier League champions City move closer to achieving a remarkable treble of league, FA Cup, and Champions League, or United clinch their 13th FA Cup title to complete a domestic cup double, having already won the Carabao Cup earlier this year.

Beyond the trophies, there is also the backdrop of local rivalry, as City and United meet in a major final for the first time ever.

Despite United's recent resurgence under manager Erik ten Hag, they enter the game as underdogs, despite their victory over City in their last encounter—a 2-1 win in the Premier League back in January—and their favorable record in recent cup ties. City are not only favorites to defeat United but also to replicate their bitter rival's historic 1999 treble-winning season, a feat that remains unmatched in English football.

So, can United triumph, or will City continue their march toward the treble? Let's delve into the key elements of this highly anticipated FA Cup final.

Is this the biggest FA Cup final ever? Taking a neutral perspective and setting aside club loyalties, it's challenging to find a previous FA Cup final that has carried as much significance and attracted as much global interest as this one. While Liverpool, Arsenal, or Chelsea fans might not accord it the highest billing, this final has all the ingredients to make it truly momentous.

In the 1980s, Liverpool and Everton dominated English football, resulting in two Merseyside derbies in the FA Cup finals of 1986 and 1989, both won by Liverpool. However, neither of those matches had the treble or the possibility of a double at stake. In recent years, heavyweight encounters between United and Arsenal, as well as Liverpool and Chelsea, have provided captivating cup finals, but this one stands out as truly special.

United aims to conclude the season with two trophies, winning both domestic cups in the same campaign, while also attempting to thwart City's treble ambitions. The significance lies not just in local pride but also in the fact that United's treble-winning season of 1999 is a unique achievement among English teams, and they are keen to maintain that distinction, particularly at the expense of City.

On the other hand, City is determined to defeat United en route to their own treble. Achieving the treble itself would be satisfying, but overcoming their rivals in the penultimate stage would make it even sweeter for manager Pep Guardiola and his players.

Has Manchester United stopped a club from winning the treble before? Yes, Manchester United has a history of preventing clubs from achieving the treble. In 1977, United faced Liverpool in the FA Cup final and denied their traditional rivals the treble, just days before Liverpool went on to win their first European Cup.

Similarly, in 1985, United defeated league champions Everton in the FA Cup final, denying them a league, FA Cup, and European Cup Winners' Cup treble.

Where would a United victory rank among upsets? Considering Manchester City's decade-long dominance in Manchester, a victory for United would indeed be a notable upset. Since United last won the Premier League title in 2013, City has consistently finished above their rivals, with a trophy count of 13 to 4 in City's favor during that period.

While United is historically the bigger and more successful club, City's recent superiority has transformed the rivalry. Although United maintains a lead in the all-time head-to-head record, City is the favorite to win this final. Their form has been exceptional, losing just once in their last 26 games—when the league title was already secured and key players were rested against Brentford.

United's potential victory on Saturday would not surpass the magnitude of Sunderland's 1973 FA Cup final win against a strong Leeds United team, as Sunderland was a second-tier side at the time. Notable upsets also include West Ham (also second-tier) beating Arsenal in 1980, Liverpool losing to Wimbledon in 1988, and Wigan defeating City in 2013.

Nonetheless, a United victory would carry significant weight and create a lasting impact.

Why are Manchester City strong favorites to win? Manchester City's status as strong favorites stems from various factors, many of which can be attributed to their ownership by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al Nahyan of Abu Dhabi.

Since Sheikh Mansour's acquisition of City in 2008, the club has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving from a perennial underachiever to arguably the best team in the world. City boasts an array of exceptional players such as Erling Haaland and Kevin De Bruyne, as well as one of the best managers in the game, Pep Guardiola. While financial resources have played a significant role, City's period of dominance is primarily a result of Guardiola's influence.

City hired Guardiola, a former Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach, in 2016 with the aim of turning the team into the best in England and Europe. Having won five of the last six Premier League titles, they have already achieved domestic dominance, and now they are on the verge of conquering Europe for the first time by reaching this season's Champions League final against Inter Milan.

Guardiola's meticulousness and ability to enhance players' skills sets him apart as one of the best managers. He has transformed players like John Stones, who has transitioned from a center-back to a midfielder, and he has elevated the performances of young talents like Rico Lewis. Additionally, the likes of Jack Grealish, Nathan Ake, Riyad Mahrez, and Rodri have reached new levels under his guidance.

Manchester City's work ethic, instilled by Guardiola, is unparalleled, motivating a group of players who have already won almost every accolade in the game.

How can Manchester United beat Manchester City? The encouraging news for Manchester United is that they emerged victorious in their last encounter with City, securing a 2-1 win at Old Trafford in January. Additionally, United has won five of their previous FA Cup meetings with City. However, when the pressure is on, City has triumphed against all their top opponents following their defeat at Old Trafford. They have convincingly defeated Liverpool (4-1), Arsenal (4-1), Bayern Munich (3-0), and Real Madrid (4-0), showcasing their strength.

For United to secure a victory, they must replicate the disciplined and organized performance they displayed in January. They need to cut off the supply line to Haaland by nullifying De Bruyne, while hoping that forwards Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho can penetrate City's defense and capitalize on their opportunities.

The absence of Lisandro Martinez due to injury will impact United's defense, but they previously defeated City without the Argentine international, so they must replicate that achievement once again.

Can United halt Haaland? Erling Haaland, Manchester City's forward, is undoubtedly their most significant threat, having scored an impressive 52 goals from 51 games in all competitions this season. He has already displayed his scoring prowess in derby games, netting a hat trick in the 6-3 victory against United last October. However, City possesses more than just Haaland's goal-scoring abilities.