With Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final against City just around the corner, Manchester United have all the necessary preparations in place.
If the Reds can defeat the champs and ruin their chances of a Double, they will have a chance to win silverware for the second year in a row.
We’ve beaten the odds before in the final of a tournament that means a lot to the club, and now someone may become a hero at Wembley and win the adoration of the fans for all time.
It will take a tremendous collective effort this weekend, but our writers are to choose one player they think can make the difference and help us win our 13th championship.
Amad’s goal that beat Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinals is one of those moments that will never get old.
Mark Froggatt’s show, AMAD
On most occasions, the starting eleven for the FA Cup final is rather obvious; at most, there are a couple of interesting debate points. However, this time around, a number of slots are open. Everyone is waiting for Saturday to reveal the lineup, and the thought of Amad becoming a part of it is intriguing. The Ivorian has been steadily making a comeback this year after an injury sidelined him for the first half of the season. He has slowly but surely regained his self-assurance, physical condition, and mental acuity.
Subsequently, an innovation. Fans are eager to see more of the technically skilled attacker Amad after his joyful quarter-final winner against Liverpool propelled him to cult-hero status. Against Manchester City, a team he has never played against before, his recent form has further enhanced his case for a starting role. His previous opponents were Arsenal and Newcastle United. At Wembley, might he be a pleasant surprise? Give it a go.
José Garnacho, better known as Joe Nelson
Alejandro Garnacho was an Argentine international who came on as a second-half substitute for Cristiano Ronaldo in Liverpool’s late attempt to equalise in last year’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester City. Garnacho’s best contribution came when he cut inside and curled a shot that appeared destined for the far corner, but it whistled narrowly wide.
In the 2022–23 season, Garnacho made 34 appearances and ended with five goals and four assists. This replacement appearance was the last one. He has nine goals and five assists in 49 games this season. With his lightning speed and great vision, the 19-year-old Alejandro has already scored twice at Old Trafford in the 2022 FA Youth Cup, and he could start beneath the arch on Saturday.
The standout performance of Alejandro Garnacho’s season was his spectacular goal in the match against Everton.
As Adam Bostock, KOBBIE MAINOO
The FA Cup final participation will be the most recent in a string of historic events that the dynamic midfielder will gracefully navigate with his exceptional skill. Of course, Kobbie is no stranger to Wembley Stadium; he has played there twice for England’s senior team, notably in matches against Brazil and Belgium. Plus, Mainoo like getting into fights with our main competitors, as Liverpool learned the hard way last month.
City would do well to take note of the United Academy graduate’s goal-scoring prowess in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool, which severely derailed the Merseysiders’ championship aspirations. His lifelong goal, as a native Red who grew up in nearby Cheadle, is to dash the Double aspirations of the Blues.
What Kobbie Mainoo is capable of doing in important games was shown by his curler against Liverpool.
Joe Ganley plays LISANDRO MARTINEZ.
It’s easy to get over the fact that Lisandro Martinez was absent from last year’s championship game. Unfortunately, the Argentinian has been out for the most of this season as well as the latter half of 2022–23 due to injury. Erik ten Hag and United supporters worldwide will be ecstatic to hear that he is expected to make an appearance on Saturday.
His calm yet ultra-committed defence, his left-footed presence when we play out from the back and his laser-like passes between the lines are all much missed when Licha is not on the pitch. However, it is not all. I would contend that “The Butcher” is the player who brings the club and its supporters closer together than any other. His courageous tackles inspire fans and motivate teammates. The squad feels more confident because of his poise. His roots are in Gualeguay, Argentina, not Gorse Hill, yet United spirit runs through his blood.
If he decides to play on Saturday, he’ll have a mountain of work to do, one of the most challenging of which is attempting to restrain Erling Haaland. At the close of a season plagued by injury, United supporters might take solace in his return to health.
Ian McLeish portrays Scott McTominay.
Scott McTominay has often shown that he is a player with a huge moment, scoring crucial goals at crucial moments. Last year in the cup final, he was substituted in for the last ten minutes and came dangerously close to scoring an equaliser. This season, he scored twice in stoppage time to rescue a home loss to Brentford from defeat, twice more to seal a victory over Chelsea, and once more in the closing seconds of an away game against Aston Villa.
Scotty can wreak havoc in the opposing box and often get rewards, whether starting from kick-off or substituted on as an impact player. On Saturday, he will be looking to make it three consecutive goals at Wembley after scoring the first goals in the FA Cup quarterfinal against Liverpool and the semi-final against Coventry.
Video
Without a doubt, Marcus Rashford is an all-game player.
Adams’s character, Marcus Rushford
Last season, our homegrown striker helped us win the Carabao Cup and is well familiar with Wembley Stadium. We are aware that he is only getting back into shape, but his omission from the most recent England selection has only served to heighten his desire to prove himself and light up this stage for the Reds. His record versus City is as impressive, and he is clearly a guy who thrives in big games. Even though Rashy and the squad had a terrible season, they still have a chance to conclude it on a high note with a rocket goal at the Etihad, which was one of the season’s strikes.
Someone who enjoys the competition more than others may show off his abilities regardless of starting position or benching. There is little doubt that this is one of the crucial storylines surrounding the final.
Read also: Manchester United get enormous £5.1bn update ahead of transfer window and FFP concerns