CASEMIRO says Manchester United are “pumped up” to beat their arch-rivals this afternoon.
Victory at Wembley will not only complete a domestic cup double for the Red Devils — but also deny their ‘noisy neighbours’ City a possible Treble.
GettyErik ten Hag argued United were better than Man City when the sides met at Old Trafford earlier this season[/caption]
GettyMarcus Rashford has a goal ruled out for offside in the clash[/caption]
And midfielder Casemiro said: “Of course, all of us and everyone connected with United would love to win it.
“We also know it’s a one-off game, and a very tough one at that, but we are really pumped up to do it.”
United manager Erik ten Hag knows how crucial it is to the club’s supporters to stop Pep Guardiola and Co from emulating their iconic 1999 Treble success.
Dutchman Ten Hag said: “It is important for the fans, and it is important for us, so we will just give everything to win the FA Cup.”
The ex-Ajax chief, who tasted Carabao Cup glory in February, says they have the belief after gaining revenge for a 6-3 October loss at the Etihad by beating the champions 2-1 at Old Trafford.
City fans still feel they were robbed in January when Marcus Rashford was flagged offside — but the ref allowed Bruno Fernandes to continue and net the equaliser.
Yet Ten Hag argues the expected goals (XG) stat of 1.98 to 0.74 on the day proved they were the better side.
He said: “No, if you see the XG in that game it was absolutely our side’s.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
“In the Etihad we didn’t show belief.
“In Old Trafford we were determined to win from the first moment. It is up to us to show the same belief.”
Ten Hag believes that victory over City would be a big step towards his goal of restoring the Red Devils to the very top.
He said: “We had a good season — but this is a great chance to make it a very good season.
“We are in a good direction and have our chance in the summer to make new targets.
“But the longer-term plan will stay the same. We want to restore Manchester United.
“When you see where we came from and the progress of the team — third and winning the League Cup and in the final of the FA Cup — you can be happy. But in the summer, we start again.”
It is clear that this occasion at Wembley is a massive one for Ten Hag.
He said: “I have played many cup finals in the Netherlands as a player and coach.
“But Wembley is probably the world’s best stadium and to be there in a final is very exciting.
“It’s a great opportunity and we fought so hard for it. They are a great opponent and we look forward to the test.”
United will be without winger Antony as well as forward Anthony Martial.
Ten Hag was holding out hope that Brazilian Antony would make it after injuring an ankle.
But the injury is still too serious to risk playing him. Ten Hag said: “There’s still a chance but a really small chance.”
Injury-prone Martial suffered a hamstring issue in Sunday’s 2-1 final-day win over Fulham.
Ten Hag said: “It will be a long one but we need more assessments.”
GettyTen Hag is hopeful Antony will be fit for the final[/caption] Read More