“I don’t want that” – Gary Neville asks for Manchester United FA Cup final change to midfield

Gary Neville has pleaded for Erik ten Hag to change his Manchester United XI as they face Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday.

Manchester United will look to win their second trophy of the season as Erik ten Hag leads his squad out in the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

In a fixture that could see either City secure their second trophy on the way to a historic treble or see United end those treble hopes in dramatic fashion, the XI that Ten Hag will select could have massive implications.

Throughout the season, the Dutchman’s preferred players have become obvious, with examples such as Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, and Bruno Fernandes becoming mainstays in the team when available.

Read More: Latest Manchester United team news vs Manchester City for the FA Cup Final

One section of the team that has seen quite a bit of rotation due to suspension and injury is United’s midfield trio.

Ten Hag generally looks to play three midfielders, with Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, and Fernandes the three preferred choices – but due to both Casemiro’s suspension and Eriksen’s injury, players such as Fred, Marcel Sabitzer, and McTomiany have had their chances, too.

Speaking about what Manchester United need in order to defeat Man City, Gary Neville has explained that he does not want to see the usual midfield trio start on Saturday.

“It’s hard to play well at Wembley sometimes and I might regret saying that because Manchester City will probably go out there and make two million passes,” he said on The FA Cup Special Overlap.

“It’s not an easy stadium to get your best performance in, so I’m hoping that’s the case and Manchester City are just below their level.

I don’t want Manchester United to play with Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes, and Christian Eriksen in midfield. The game where they beat them, it was Fred with Casemiro. I just don’t see how City won’t run amok if it’s those three in midfield.”

He further added that United must build their XI with the mindset of making sure they stay in the game.

“Staying in the game is everything for United. If they are in it with 10 or 15 minutes to go, they’ve got a great chance – something could happen.”