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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Tyrone Marshall

Why Erik ten Hag is confident Manchester United can beat Man City in FA Cup final

Erik ten Hag says his confidence in Manchester United's ability to cause an upset and win the FA Cup next Saturday stems from his side's recent history against Manchester City.

United will be the underdogs at Wembley on Saturday when City will be looking to complete the second leg of a potential Treble ahead of the Champions League.

Although City won the first derby of the season in resounding fashion at the Etihad, with Phil Foden and Erling Haaland scoring hat-tricks in a 6-3 win, United gained revenge with a 2-1 success at Old Trafford in January.

ALSO READ: Ten Hag sends message to United board over transfers

City did the double over United last season, but United have won five of the last 11 games between the rivals. In addressing supporters on the pitch at Old Trafford, Ten Hag said there was a "really good chance" his side could bring the FA Cup back to Old Trafford.

Asked after the game why he felt that, he added: "You have always a chance in football, history shows we beat them in January.

"Manchester United in the last couple of years beat City many times, so these players know when they play at their levels they can compete and it’s obvious, we play against the best team, but there is a chance and we have to go for the chance and give everything.

"We can’t find excuses to ourselves after the game. I’m sure we will play a good game on Saturday."

Pep Guardiola is giving his players two days off before they regroup on Wednesday, but United's squad will be in on Monday and will maintain their usual routine during the week.

"They are in tomorrow because tomorrow we have player of the year, a charity gala here," said Ten Hag.

"We stick to the routine, we have our days off and relax but we have one week to go, we will use the days to prepare the game as good as possible."

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