The biggest game in English football this season is officially set. The stage has been laid for an epic, era-defining clash as Manchester City and Manchester United will collide in the 2024 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on May 25th. Brace yourselves, this derby day showdown to lift the famous old trophy promises to be an absolute blockbuster.
The Noisy Neighbors Are the Favorites This Time
Pep Guardiola’s Man City machine roll into the final as the clear favorites after their domestic treble-winning heroics last campaign. They’ll be keen to repeat as FA Cup champions having downed United 2-1 in last year’s Wembley showcase when Ilkay Gundogan incredibly scored after just 12 seconds – the fastest goal in FA Cup final history.
However, City’s path to getting revenge on their neighbors wasn’t straightforward whatsoever. In the semis against Chelsea, only a late Bernardo Silva strike separated the sides after he had fluffed a crucial penalty in their shock Champions League exit to Real Madrid days prior. Lady Luck was definitely on their side that day.
An Up-and-Down Road to Wembley for United
Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag’s Red Devils had to traverse through the rockiest of roads to return to the cup final. Against underdog Coventry City in the semis, United inexplicably blew a 3-0 lead late on as the Championship side shockingly scored three times in the dying minutes to force extra time. The minnows even had a potential winner chalked off for the tightest of offsides before United eventually progressed on penalties.
It was a farcical, embarrassing display that has only amplified the mounting pressure on Ten Hag after United’s underwhelming Premier League campaign. Need I remind you of the 4-0 pasting at the hands of Crystal Palace? Winning the FA Cup now feels like an absolute must for the Dutchman to have any chance of staying at the helm beyond this summer.
History, Money and Egos on Full Display
So just what’s all riding on this titanic Manchester tussle? Plenty.
For United, it’s a chance to move within one FA Cup of tying Arsenal’s all-time record of 14 titles by claiming their 13th. City, meanwhile, are chasing their 8th triumph as they aim to close the gap on United’s 12 wins in the competition.
Then there’s the not-so-small matter of the prize money up for grabs. The champion will bank a very tidy £2 million, with the runner-up pocketing £1 million. Decent money for sure, but just a drop in the bucket compared to the over £170 million City trousered for their Premier League title last season.
But when these two rivals meet, it’s about much more than silverware or cash. Elite egos, bragging rights, and the overall balance of power in both Manchester and English football is at stake every single time. United boss Ten Hag in particular needs this statement victory over City to have any hope of steadying the extremely rocky ship.
Buckle Up for Wembley Chaos
Love them or loathe them, there’s no denying that whenever the Manchester clubs meet it’s must-watch theatre. Red cards, late drama, controversial decisions – this rivalry has absolutely everything.
So gear up for another Wembley spectacle on May 25th, which promises to be absolute pandemonium from start to finish. Whether you support the blue or red half of Manchester, just pray that none of the players let their heads get too hot under the bright lights and pressure.
Yes, City may be the outstanding favorites on paper. But as we’ve seen so often before in major soccer finals, reputations and recent form frequently gets thrown out of the window once that whistle blows. It could easily come down to which team simply wants it more and can handle their nerves best.
With a full-strength Manchester derby XI on both sides, expect endless dibble-dabble, feisty tackles, and goals galore in what is shaping up to be a FA Cup classic for the ages. Whether it’s City continuing their domestic dominance or United reasserting itself as top dogs in town, you simply won’t want to miss this gigantic heavyweight battle. Wembley will be rocking come May 25th!
