Exclusive: For Man Utd to defeat Man City in the FA Cup final, at least four players must perform at their highest level.
Man Utd’s spine must perform vs Man City. (Image: Getty)
Ally McCoist believes that if Erik ten Hag’s team is going to win the FA Cup this afternoon, it has to be evident against Manchester City. As the clear underdogs going into the match, McCoist feels that four players in particular need to play at the top of their game to keep United from losing the final derby two times in a row.
The Red Devils will take on Pep Guardiola’s formidable winning machine in an attempt to salvage a 13th FA Cup, but first they must overcome a disastrous season.
Aside from inflicting suffering on their fierce rivals, City is motivated to become the first team to win the Premier League and FA Cup in back-to-back seasons after winning an unprecedented fourth straight title.
Ten Hag has been fortunate to make a number of comebacks from injuries in the weeks leading up to the capital derby match.
Following periods of inactivity, Lisandro Martinez, Bruno Fernandes, and Marcus Rashford made their comebacks to the field earlier this month.
Earlier this week, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof, Mason Mount, and Anthony Martial participated in team training, which put them in the running to play.
McCoist thinks that in order to defeat City, Ten Hag’s squad will have to play fierce defense, seize opportunities when they present themselves, and maybe even a little bit of luck.
Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Lisandro Martinez and his preferred partner, the two center backs for United, have all been identified by him as particularly important players.
Rasmus Hojlund could be Man Utd’s FA Cup hero. (Image: Getty)
It is truly astounding. On behalf of talkSPORT BET, McCoist told Express Sport, “You think of two city rivals heading into a game, and I can’t remember one of them being bigger underdogs in a long, long time.”
“Undoubtedly, United is that this year. It was a straightforward victory for City last year. I believe that the core of United needs to play well if they are to have any chance. I genuinely do.
“Both Lisandro Martinez and the goalie will need to perform well. They’ll need to play strong defense, rely on chance, and seize any opportunities that present themselves.
“In light of that, the goalie, both center backs, and Rasmus Hojlund must all perform well. However, it is undeniable that United faces overwhelming odds.
There is no denying that they have a chance because it is a one-time cup final. However, it seems obvious to me that they’ll need to play strong defense and seize any opportunities that present themselves.
Therefore, the team’s backbone [has to be present]. Hojlund will need to take his chances, the goalie needs to have a fantastic day, and the center backs, of course.”
Ten Hag paid a total of £176 million for all three of the players McCoist specifically mentioned when he brought them to United two years ago.
By pulling off a surprise and winning a major trophy for the second time in as many seasons while he is in charge, they have the opportunity to possibly keep the Dutchman in his job.
