Manchester Derby Edition

Manchester City vs Manchester United
Wembley Stadium, London, England
3 June 2023 | 10AM | ESPN+

As the 2022-23 season winds down, the stakes have ratcheted up for several football clubs across Europe as there are still several promotion/relegation battles brewing, but most importantly for the cup finals that have begun commencing.  Today we get to witness whether or not Manchester City can complete the second leg of their Treble winning aspirations as the Cityzens square off against city rivals Manchester United in the tradition-enriched FA Cup.

City locked up the Premier League title for the fifth time in six seasons last month with three matches still to play at the time.  However, the Cityzens have gone a pedestrian one win, one draw, and one loss (in that order) since clinching the title over challengers Arsenal.  Could this be a sign of things to come for City?  Will the Light Blues be rested and ready to go come today and next weekend against Inter in the UCL Final? Or, will City simply turn up as a rusty, out of form squad that read too much of their own press clippings? One would think that Pep Guardiola would have his men ready to go, however the team’s performances over the past three matches would indicate otherwise.  You can’t just turn or and off the proverbial switch when trophies are on the line.

Meanwhile for Man United, they’ve already won silverware this season too, the Carabao Cup.  Thus, a win later this morning would see the Red Devils secure a Domestic Cup Double.  A rather impressive feat for any club, but especially for United considering that this season was the first for manager Erik ten Haag in Manchester.  He’s transformed this squad top to bottom through a variety of moves, none more important than diminishing Cristiano Ronaldo’s role and ultimately pushing for the Portuguese’s exit from the club during the winter transfer window.  As far as acquisitions go, the signing of Casimero was an absolute stroke of genius.  Many believed that the Brazilian was past his best, but that clearly has not been the case as the former Real Madrid stalwart has been just that, a stalwart, for United this season.  He’s produced decisive goals at crucial stages throughout this campaign, and as routine, he's hunkered down the defensive midfield area, providing a sound structure in the middle of the park, which has allowed Bruno Fernandes to spring forward without worry of gaps not being covered behind him.  Lastly, the confidence that ten Haag has reinvigorated Marcus Rashford with this year has been of vital importance, and as such the England international has produced his finest season to date, netting 30 times in all comps.

When you put this all together, you see a reborn Manchester United squad.  A team that believes in one another, believes in the manager and his vision for current and future success, and believes that they can win whenever, wherever, and against whomever.  As such, United is a team that is dangerous, and one that City should not overlook.

Prediction

Without a doubt, City are favorites coming into this match, and deservedly so.  They’ve been the gold standard in England for the past decade, and now possess the soon to be crowned Ballon d’Or winner Erling Haaland.  This team on paper and, at times this season, on the field have looked like a footballing juggernaut.  However, the Light Blues have been coasting since they beat Real Madrid in the UCL semifinal on May 17th.  As a result, I believe that United will be sharper, hungrier, and physically and mentally stronger than City will be today.  Thus, the Red Devils will win 2-1, and for City, this result will pose as a wakeup call ahead of next week’s ultimate fixture against Inter Milan.