Man Utd's predicted XI vs Man City in FA Cup final as Erik ten Hag makes Casemiro call

Erik ten Hag could drop Casemiro in the FA Cup final as the Manchester United manager weighs up his most important team selection of the season. Seeking to avenge last campaign’s 2-1 defeat against Manchester City at Wembley and qualify for the Europa League, the Red Devils can end 2023/24 on a high, even if Ten Hag seems bound for an Old Trafford exit regardless…

Man Utd’s predicted XI (4-2-2-2):

Goalkeeper: Onana

It’s been a frustrating debut season for back-up goalkeeper Altay Bayindir, having struggled to get a game even in the early rounds of cup competitions, let alone the big games. The Turkish stopper stands no chance of taking Andre Onana’s spot on Saturday as the Cameroonian has now settled in as United’s No 1.

Defence: Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez, Dalot

Having been short of defensive options all season, United are now somewhere close to their first-choice back four, albeit with Diogo Dalot continuing to fill in on his unfavoured left side in the absence of Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia.

The major boosts come in central defence, where Lisandro Martinez is fit once again and Raphael Varane is in contention to face City for what would be his farewell appearance. There’s space for Aaron Wan-Bissaka on the right, but perhaps none for stand-in centre-back Casemiro, who reportedly faces being left out against the Sky Blues.

Defensive midfield: Mainoo, Amrabat

Sofyan Amrabat couldn’t buy a start for large portions of this season, but a run of games during the Premier League’s closing weeks looks set to earn him a coveted spot in the XI at Wembley. Kobbie Mainoo has been one of United’s shining lights this term and his metronomic passing could help to establish some control against a City side high on confidence.

Attacking midfield: Fernandes, McTominay

Captain Bruno Fernandes will need to step up and perform in attacking midfield if he and Scott McTominay are chosen to roam in front of United’s two deeper-lying stars. The pair’s goal threat could prove invaluable given United lined up against Brighton last weekend without a recognised central striker.

Attack: Amad, Garnacho

With speed and trickery to hit on the counter-attack, Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho could be selected to lead the line for United at Wembley, as they did against the Seagulls.

Rasmus Hojlund completed the scoring at the Amex Stadium, but given the Brighton win was likely a form of tactical trial run for Saturday’s showdown, it seems more probable that the Danish international will be brought on from the bench.