MU's Decisive "Round", Also Ten Hag
Assisted by Rashford who is motivated, MU has come to seek solace this season. City is trying to assert dominance.
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Manchester United manager, Erik ten Hag, during the English Premier League match between MU and Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, London, on May 6, 2024. Ten Hag will lead his team against Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday, May 25, 2024.
LONDON, FRIDAY — If you put it like this, Manchester United this season is like a boxer who has been beaten repeatedly by his opponent from the starting bell until entering the final round. Only one remaining round could save the boxer's face. For MU, the final round is the top match of the FA Cup.
MU's performance has declined since the departure of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013. However, there has been no fall as bad as this season. After recording various new bad records in the club's history and the worst injury storm, they were only able to finish in 8th place in the English League with a goal difference deficit (-1).
This finish was the worst for MU since Ferguson left or in the Premier League era (from 1992). Apart from failing miserably in the league, the team coached by Erik ten Hag was also unable to talk much in other competitions. Like in the Champions League, the "Red Devils" have been eliminated since the group stage.
Practically, only achievements in the FA Cup can be proud of Bruno Fernandes and his colleagues. They can lift the only potential trophy remaining this season at Wembley Stadium on Saturday (25/5/2024) evening WIB if they are able to win the derby versus Manchester City.
Also read: Doubtful, Continuity of Ten Hag's Philosophy
"In a season that didn't go according to our wishes, we are there (to win the trophy). We still have one chance. It's not easy, but we must and will try. We have to believe that we could play well last season, often against big teams. We will play that on Saturday," said Ten Hag.
The fate of Ten Hag will also be determined after the final. After two seasons, his future with MU is in doubt due to the team's downfall this season. Winning the FA Cup trophy may convince club management to keep him. Although he may have to part ways at the end of the season, the trophy will still be a sweet ending to the manager's reign.
Manchester United Manager Erik ten Hag delivered a speech after the English League match between Manchester United and Newcastle United at Old Trafford, Manchester, on May 15, 2024.
Ten Hag said that sustainability in leading MU is not his main focus at the moment. "I came here to win trophies. This club has not won many trophies in the past 10 seasons. Tomorrow, we can win our second trophy in two seasons. After the season ends, we will see whether this project continues or needs to change," he said.
However, Manchester United's comeback in the decisive round will not be easy. They will face boxers who have dominated throughout the duels, including in several previous matches. That figure is City, which has just become the first team in English history to win the league four seasons in a row.
In a season that did not go according to our wishes, we are there (to win the trophy). We still have one chance. It's not easy, but we must and will try.
Not to mention, Josep Guardiola's team has a brilliant record in six final matches at Wembley Stadium. City always managed to lift the trophy on all these occasions. In fact, last time, they also overthrew MU led by Ten Hag in FA Cup final last season.
Also read: Erik ten Hag's Limits of Failure
According to Guardiola, all trophies are equally special to him. The City squad immediately focused on preparing for the final match after celebrating their league championship last week. Although MU is in a less favorable trend this season, there is no favorite in the final match. Anything can happen in the pride match between the city rivals.
"It is truly special to have the opportunity to win that beautiful trophy once again. Last season we played in the first Manchester derby in the FA Cup final. Twelve months later, we are back to face United. The journey to the final is never easy. That's why we will do anything to win the trophy," said Guardiola.
Rashford's redemption
The main spotlight is on the Manchester United attacker, Marcus Rashford. After always being part of the English national team in major tournaments since 2016, he was not included in the "Three Lions" 33-man roster for the 2024 European Cup. English coach Gareth Southgate left him out due to poor performance throughout this season.
Bournemouth defender, Illia Zabarnyi, tackled Manchester United striker, Marcus Rashford, during a match in the English Premier League at Vitality Stadium, Bournemouth, early morning on Sunday (14/4/2024) WIB. Rashford was not called up to the England national team for Euro 2024.
Rashford was only able to produce 8 goals and 4 assists from 42 appearances in all competitions. This productivity is very low compared to last season, where he had 30 goals and 10 assists from 56 appearances. The "Red Devils" icon was also involved in disciplinary issues that resulted in him being temporarily sidelined from the squad.
For Rashford, the upcoming final match is also the best place to prove himself. The 26-year-old striker can affirm that he is not finished yet. This proof will be useful for him in the future to stay at MU for the following season or to anchor himself in another team.
Also read: Why was Marcus Rashford not called up to the England national team?
"He (Rasfhord) appears to be in good condition. A career that is fluctuating can give you more fuel. That's what I see from him in training. He will be highly motivated. He is very talented and already has a great career, I'm confident he will overcome this and score more goals," said Ten Hag.
Meanwhile, the availability of the MU squad is better than it was in the previous few league matches. The defending players, such as Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, have returned from injury. Ten Hag no longer needs to play defensive midfielder Casemiro as an emergency defender. (AP/REUTERS)
