Manchester United can target three unseen weaknesses of Man City in the FA Cup final

Manchester United need victory in Saturday’s FA Cup final to secure European football for next season, while they can prevent Manchester City from claiming a second consecutive domestic double.

For Erik ten Hag, the game could also decide his fate in the dugout, with Ineos yet to make a decision on his long-term future as the club’s manager. The final is a repeat of last year, which City won 2-1 thanks to an Ilkay Gundogan brace, including the fastest goal ever scored in an FA Cup final.

This year, Pep Guardiola’s side are even stronger favourites, having finished 31 points ahead of their rivals in the Premier League table, but the Blues are not invincible and there are ways to worry them if United turn things around.

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Peace on break

This goes without saying, but a big part of United’s success against City in recent seasons has been using their pace in attack to exploit counter-attacking opportunities.

The goals he scores against Pep Guardiola’s side tend to be either quick breaks or stunning strikes, such as Marcus Rashford’s at the Etihad in March. The best approach at Wembley is definitely to use the speed they have in the final third and try to play balls over the top early.

That could mean a change of approach for Erik ten Hag. Bruno Fernandes started the wins against Newcastle United and Brighton in a false nine role, but does not stretch the game and lacks the pace to break away. Also, the Portuguese is needed to play those counter-attacking passes.

That could mean a return for Rasmus Hojlund, while Alejandro Garnacho also fits in as a starter. Amad is an excellent dribbler but is in tight areas rather than on the break and perhaps that means a start for Rashford, who can use his pace successfully.

Pack the middle

A big part of United’s game plan will be about stopping City, and to that end the wisest approach might be to pack the midfield and give up some space.

Some of that will depend on who starts for City, but if Bernardo occupies a wide role on the right and Jack Grealish is the one playing on the left, then a lot of their play will come through the middle. If Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne continue as twin players then it will be essential to prevent them from getting time on the scoresheet.

That could mean a compact midfield shape. Casemiro and Sofyan Amrabat could play alongside each other if the Brazilian is not needed in central defence. They could swamp that space where De Bruyne and Foden are so dangerous.

Make her nervous

United’s best approach might simply be to stay in the game and make it a bothersome affair. The pressure is on City here and history is once again on the line as they chase their first Double Double.

There were times when they looked a little nervous at Wembley last season and they played like they were full of nerves in Istanbul against Inter Milan.

In major finals (Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Champions League) City have not won by more than one goal since beating Watford 6-0 in the FA Cup final in 2019. Since then they have beaten Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester United and Inter Milan by the odd goal and lost to Chelsea in a Champions League final.

It’s been a while since they ran away with one of these big events, and if United can keep it tight, they might make City a little nervous.