As was the case last season when the final kicked off at 3:00 pm BST for the first time in 12 years, both teams agreed to replicate the identical kick-off time this Saturday due to police advice. Erik ten Hag has an account to settle with Pep Guardiola after a 2-1 defeat in last season’s title decider denied him a cup double in his maiden campaign at Old Trafford.

The Portugal international scored the penalty in the cup final last year and he created Marcus Rashford’s goal in March at the Etihad. It was also the 29 year old who scored United’s opening goal in a 2-1 victory over City in January 2023 at Old Trafford.

Manchester United showed against Brighton they have the ingredients to trouble the Premier League champions at Wembley at the weekend