Manchester City will face Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 3 June with both sides aiming for a chance to make history.
With the wind now firmly in their sails, Pep Guardiola‘s side are seemingly to all intents and purposes well on their way to completing a historic treble, as they are arguably the favourites to win both the Champions League and Premier League respectively.
United, on the other hand, will be hoping to end the season on a more positive note, following a rather tepid exit from the Europa League at the hands of Sevilla, a team who are currently in the bottom half of La Liga.
Of course, Erik ten Hag‘s side still have the opportunity to complete the domestic cup double, having recently lifted the League Cup earlier this year.
For Ten Hag, on a personal level, it would perhaps be another sign that the Dutchman is worthy of major investment in the summer, possibly from Qatari investors, amid reports the club is currently up for sale at the moment.
City secured their place in the final courtesy of a routine victory over Sheffield United as Riyad Mahrez became the first player to score a hat-trick in an FA Cup semi-final since 1958.
United, on the other hand, found themselves in a much more competitive match with Brighton, who made it almost an entirely equal contest despite their imperfections, which went the full course of extra time before ending in sudden death penalties.
Unfortunately for the Seagulls, Solly March, who also missed a crucial penalty against Charlton Athletic in the fourth round of the League Cup, blasted his spot-kick over the crossbar to send the Red Devils through to the final, leaving the winger in tears after the game.
This will be the third time that City and United have faced each other this season having both been victorious once each in their previous two clashes.
In October, City made a serious statement of intent by thrashing United at the Etihad, with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland both scoring three goals apiece.
However, United won the return fixture 2-1 at Old Trafford in January, thanks to a controversial goal from Marcus Rashford.
How to watch the FA Cup final
- Date: Saturday 3 June
- Kick-off: 3pm (UK time)
- TV Channel: BBC One
- Stream: BBC iPlayer
Perhaps sensing an opportunity to start the mind games early, Guardiola joked that United fans do not need to be worried about his side winning the treble this season after they both booked their place in the final.
“They don’t have to be scared, we are neighbours, neighbours are always nice to each other,” he told reporters.
“I said yesterday we are far away from the treble and this discussion for a funny moment is OK. The reality, I said many times, the most impressive thing for this club, from the hierarchy to the backroom staff is that after many years, six years, winning titles and titles, we are still there [competing]. I love to be here and work with this club.
“One year you can do it – I don’t want to win one Champions League and after be in the bottom. The Champions League [can] destroy projects when you win or lose [but] this club is quite stable. With seven weeks left, we are still fighting for titles – this is the most important trophy we can get. Thank you so much to the [players] – the last three years, the worst performances we have done in the FA Cup is the semis.”
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