This match is of equal importance to both sides on the pitch, but off the pitch, Man Utd are in dire need of a victory in order to repaint their fading image in English football.
From the managerial perspective, Crystal Palace boss Allan Pardew is almost guaranteed of his job with reports from England suggesting that he is set to sign a new contract before the cup final. But on the other hand, Louis Van Gaal’s future at Old Trafford largely depends on the result of this fixture, if the latest rumors from the club are true. The Dutch tactician has had a miserable season with the Red Devils, having being bundled out of the Capital One Cup, Europa League, Champions League, and the Premier League title race. To make things even worse for the former Bayern Munich boss, his side will not participate in next season’s Champions League after finishing fifth on the log.
As it stands now, many Man Utd fans have run out of patience with the 64-year-old; some are hoping for a defeat on Saturday in order to pile more pressure on the boss to resign, others are hoping for a win and his dismissal at the same time, while some are still undecided, or hoping for a better season with the Dutchman.
Whichever place you stand, it is quite clear that the Red Devils need to win this trophy after failing to clinch any competitive title since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure three years ago. But they will not have it that easy. Here’s why:
The Eagles are in their first FA Cup final since 1990 when they lost to Man United. Back then, the current boss Alan Pardew used to play for the Selhurst Park outfit. Secondly, the Old Trafford side has not won the FA Cup since 2004 and they will be hoping that the jinx will not resurface 12 years later on Saturday at Wembley. Although Palace have won only seven matches in 2016, five of those victories have been in the FA Cup, which is yet another good reason to trouble the Red Devils.
Team news
Crystal Palace
Pardew is expected to field the strongest possible lineup against Man Utd after resting most of his key players in their final league match last weekend. Yohan Cabaye could start at the midfield while James McArthur and Jason Puncheon could also find their way to the starting lineup.
Manchester United
Marouane Fellaini could return after serving his three-match ban.
Match facts
- Palace have won their last five consecutive FA Cup matches
- Palace have seen under 2.5 goals in seven of their last eight matches against Man Utd in all competitions
- The Red Devils have kept a clean sheet in five of their last six games against Palace in all competitions
- Man United have not lost to Palace in their last 10 games in all competitions
- LVG’s men have won five of their last six FA Cup games
Team sheets
Crystal Palace:
#CPFC XI: Hennessey; Ward, Dann, Delaney, Souare; Zaha, Cabaye, McArthur, Jedinak, Bolasie; Wickham. pic.twitter.com/uEKAQ6IGoz
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 21, 2016
Subs: Speroni, Kelly, Mariappa, Sako, Puncheon, Gayle, Adebayor.
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 21, 2016
Man United:
#mufc XI: De Gea, Valencia, Smalling, Blind, Rojo, Carrick, Fellaini, Mata, Rooney, Martial, Rashford. #WeAreUnited pic.twitter.com/t7cjgBBs3l
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2016
#mufc subs: Romero, Darmian, Jones, Schneiderlin, Herrera, Young, Lingard. #WeAreUnited
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) May 21, 2016
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
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