Erik ten Hag has one big Man United line-up decision for FA Cup final vs Man City

Manchester United will be playing one of their biggest games in years next Saturday as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

Erik ten Hag’s side will not only be looking to top off a positive first season under the Dutchman with a domestic cup double, alongside a top four finish, but they will also be looking to thwart Manchester City’s treble chances.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won the Premier League title and are in both the FA Cup and Champions League final. United have the opportunity to ensure they remain the only English club to complete the feat, but it will be a difficult task.

The first time the two teams faced this term, United were humiliated with a 6-3 loss at the Etihad Stadium, yet were dominant in the reverse fixture at Old Trafford and ended deserved 2-1 winners.

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This time, City are purring and the Spanish boss has rejigged his team selection in recent months. United have recently stumbled but have now won three in a row and will surely be prepared for another big game at Wembley.

The players will need to turn up on the day. However, Ten Hag will also undoubtedly have an important role in how he approaches the game and the choices he makes in relation to his lineup.

In particular, there are two major decisions that the United boss will need to make in his cup final team selection.

Who will partner with Casemiro?

Casemiro will be vital if United are going to seal victory in the FA Cup final. Yet, there are question marks over who should partner him in the midfield pivot.

Of course, Christian Eriksen has been a mainstay – when fit – in the starting XI this term. His creative abilities have been a large benefit to the side. However, the Dane is known to have difficulties when United are out of possession and defending.

In a game where United are not expected to have the lion’s share of possession, and with a dangerous City attack, Ten Hag could be tempted to reinstate Fred to the starting XI.

The Brazilian can be an unpredictable inclusion, which is always a worry, yet he usually plays his best football when tasked with an important pressing role.

Can United afford to lose the midfield control they have with Eriksen? They need to ensure that their on-ball work is effective in this game. On the other hand, the out-of-possession pressing should be key to United’s approach to the game.

Perhaps the United boss will fill the midfield with both players and Casemiro – then either move Bruno Fernandes to the right side or use Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as split strikers with a diamond midfield behind them.

Whichever decision he makes will be one that could hold great importance in how the game in the capital plays out.