“I hope I’m proved wrong” - Roy Keane predicts winner of Manchester United v Manchester City FA Cup final
Manchester United legend Roy Keane recently shared his prediction for the Red Devils' FA Cup final against Manchester City on Saturday, May 25. It will be a repeat of last year's final, where City won 2-1 en route to their trouble.
Manchester City have had another good season where they became the first English team to win the Premier League title four seasons in a row. They were, however, eliminated from the EFL Cup and the UEFA Champions League and now have the FA Cup final to look forward to.
Manchester United, meanwhile, have had a terrible season as they finished eighth in the league, their worst-ever finish. They finished at the bottom of their Champions League group and were eliminated from the EFL Cup. They could end the season on a high by winning the FA Cup.
However, Roy Keane isn't too optimistic about United's chances, as he predicted on Stick to Football podcast:
“2 or 3-1 City, I hope I’m proved wrong.”
In last year's FA Cup final, Ilkay Gundogan scored for Manchester City in the first minute. Manchester United restored parity in the 33rd minute through a Bruno Fernandes penalty but Gundogan scored the winner in the 51st minute.
The Red Devils have also lost both encounters against City in the Premier League this season.
Manchester City's Bernardo Silva on upcoming FA Cup final clash against Manchester United
Erik ten Hag's side have had major injury issues over the course of the season. The likes of Luke Shaw, Tyrell Malacia, and Harry Maguire are likely to miss the FA Cup final. Lisandro Martinez and Marcus Rashford only recently returned to action. Meanwhile, the likes of Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial, and Victor Lindelof have returned to training.
Manchester City star Bernardo Silva is expecting most of Manchester United's players to be available and give them a tough challenge. He said in an interview (via Manchester Evening News):
“[It will be] a big challenge. They have been struggling with injuries in the last few weeks. I don’t know how fit some of them will be, but I expect most of them to be back.
"It is a derby and a derby is always a tough game. It is going to be a very competitive game for both sides and we expect a very difficult match. It is a final of the FA Cup against your biggest rivals in the same city. I think it is very emotional for the fans and we get that. We try to prepare as best as possible to try and give them what they deserve which is another title and the win.”
Manchester United finished eighth in the Premier League and hence, didn't qualify for any European competition. However, if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final, they will directly qualify for the UEFA Europa League.