Manchester United faces a daunting challenge on Saturday as they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final. The task at hand is to deny City the Treble, a feat that Troy Deeney’s Watford side failed to achieve four years ago. Despite impeccable preparation and a positive attitude, Watford lost the game 6-0. Facing Pep Guardiola’s City is a challenge like no other, as they suffocate, frustrate, mentally exhaust, bully, and demoralize their opponents. City has no weaknesses, and even their goalkeeper, Ederson, has a sledgehammer of a left foot. With world-class players everywhere, United’s Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes may feel starved of action and frustrated.
City has become the most complete team in the world with the addition of Erling Haaland. They can go long to Haaland if pressed, or pass death by a thousand passes if sat off. United has more quality than Watford had, but Deeney does not believe the Cup final will be a great contest. City is simply too good. Even Real Madrid got spanked at the Etihad in the Champions League. Facing Guardiola himself as an opposition player is a funny experience, as he kills you with kindness.
City has the supreme motivation of becoming footballing immortals by completing the ultimate Treble in 1999. United has motivation too, as stopping City from winning the Treble would mean more to them than any other club. However, to beat City, one must be ruthless, impeccable, and fortunate. Good luck, United; you are going to need it.