Manchester City will face Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley next month.
A Manchester derby takes centre stage in the showpiece fixture of club football’s oldest competition for the second year in succession, with dominant City having completed the second stage of their famous treble last season by winning 2-1 thanks to a brace from the now-departed midfielder Ilkay Gundogan.
Despite the absence of talismanic striker Erling Haaland through injury, Pep Guardiola’s side returned to the final with a somewhat fortunate late win against Chelsea at Wembley in Saturday’s first semi-final settled by Bernardo Silva’s goal, the perfect response after an agonising home penalty shootout loss to Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals in midweek that thwarted their bid for a historic double-treble.
City are also now the favourites to claim Premier League glory once again ahead of title rivals Arsenal and Liverpool and will be after a double, with fans relishing another chance to get one over on their cross-city foes at Wembley.
United have made it back to the final despite another chaotic and inconsistent season that has raised more than a few questions about the future of Erik ten Hag as the manager in the new INEOS era, just beating Championship side Coventry on penalties in Sunday’s second semi-final tie after blowing a 3-0 lead in embarrassing fashion late on.
Date, kick-off time and venue
This year’s FA Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium as usual, on Saturday May 25, 2024.
A kick-off time for the game has yet to be finalised and confirmed, with last year’s final between the Manchester rivals getting underway at 3pm BST.
However, a similar kick-off time this year could pose particular problems for UK broadcaster ITV, who are scheduled to show live coverage of rugby’s Champions Cup final that afternoon.
Where to watch Man City vs Manchester United
TV channel: In the UK, this year’s final will be televised live and free-to-air on ITV.
Live stream: Fans can also watch the action unfold live and for free online via the ITVX website and app.
Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport’s live blog.
Man City vs Manchester United team news
City will hope that Erling Haaland is firing fit by the time the final rolls around.
The reigning Premier League Golden Boot holder asked to come off during the defeat by Real Madrid and missed the subsequent win over Chelsea with a muscle issue.
Manuel Akanji and Kevin De Bruyne were both back for the semi-final, while Jack Grealish looked to shake off a knock suffered during the game.
Manchester City will hope that Erling Haaland is fit for the FA Cup final (Martin Rickett/PA Wire)
United have been besieged by injuries of late, with Willy Kambwala, Mason Mount and Sofyan Amrabat all added to their absentee list on the eve of their semi-final against Coventry.
Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay and Antony all shook off injuries to feature, though Casemiro lined up alongside Maguire as an emergency centre-back with Kambwala having joined Lisandro Martinez, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans on the sidelines.
Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia and Anthony Martial are among United’s other absentees.
Man City vs Manchester United prediction
How can anyone sensibly back against masterful Manchester City in a cup final of any description?
They are absolute experts in these massive one-off games on the biggest stage, proving against Chelsea that they don’t always have to be on top and dominant to still prevail in the end.
City have well and truly had United’s number in recent times and it’s so tough to see Ten Hag’s men emerging victorious again at Wembley, though I’m sure they will put up a valiant effort.
Man City to win, 2-0.
Head to head (h2h) history and results
City have won seven of the last nine Manchester derbies across all competitions, including three in a row.
They won both Premier League meetings this season, 3-0 at Old Trafford in November and coming from behind to win 3-1 at the Etihad in March thanks to Phil Foden.
Man City wins: 61
Manchester United wins: 78
Draws: 53
Man City vs Manchester United match odds
Betting odds for the final will be available shortly.
