The long awaited 2023 FA Cup final is set to take place tomorrow, and for the first time in history, it will be between two of soccer’s oldest rivals, Manchester United and Manchester City.
🚨 The Emirates FA Cup trophy has already been partially engraved to recognise and celebrate the first ever Final between Manchester United and Man City. @FA pic.twitter.com/RIcACx0obm
— UtdPlug (@UtdPlug) May 29, 2023
Each of the two local rivals has already won a trophy this year. The Carabao Cup was won by United before City successfully defended their Premier League title. It is now United’s goal to make history by capturing both domestic cups in the same season.
Several key players return to training for Man City
After initial concerns about the health of key trio Jack Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, and Ruben Dias, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is feeling more optimistic about a number of issues in his squad. He bragged to the press on Friday, saying, “They have trained well. They are more or less fine.”
OFFICIAL: Kevin De Bruyne, Ruben Dias, Jack Grealish, and Manuel Akanji are 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞 in #ManCity training. ✅
— City Xtra (@City_Xtra) May 31, 2023
In addition, Guardiola stated that backup goalkeeper Stefan Ortega would start in place of Ederson. “It’s always been the same in the cups, even with Barcelona and Munich, so he’s going to play in the FA Cup.”
Manchester United to miss Martial, Martinez while Antony remains doubtful
After losing Anthony Martial up front, Red Devils manager Erik Ten Hag now says that Antony is “unlikely to play” due to an ankle injury. As the team’s primary striker, Marcus Rashford will have the help of Jadon Sancho, Bruno Fernandes, and possibly even Alejandro Garnacho.
Not going to lie, I'm nervous about tomorrow's game as there's so much at stake.
• Manchester derby
• Bragging rights
• Trophy
• Historic trebble status
• Stopping City winning the trebbleGood season regardless, but please, one FINAL push, Manchester United. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/AinWfYJ69a
— UF (@UtdFaithfuls) June 2, 2023
Raphael Varane will be paired with either Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof at center back. Even though he was sidelined for the recent 2-1 victory over Fulham, Luke Shaw is anticipated to make a full recovery and return to action. Both Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Diogo Dalot will be in the running to start at right back.
City march on with treble in sight
This is Manchester City’s best chance to secure the much-coveted treble. After securing the Premier League title as well as a UEFA Champions League final spot with a superb display in the semifinal against Real Madrid, Pep Guardiola’s men are en route to making history.
https://twitter.com/CFC_Janty/status/1664629769290358785
However, Manchester United are the likeliest team to deny their neighbors the taste of a treble, and we’re sure Erik Ten Hag and his men will give their all to make history by securing both domestic cups in a season for the first time.
The FA Cup final is scheduled to take place on Saturday in the famous Wembley Stadium, June 3 at 3 PM GMT, and we can’t wait to hear the kick-off whistle!
