Anthony Martial has been spotted back in training ahead of the FA Cup final this weekend. Manchester United will lock horns with Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon, knowing a win could keep Erik ten Hag in the job.
The Red Devils head into the clash following a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Amex Stadium on the final weekend of the Premier League season. Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola’s side enjoyed a 3-1 victory against West Ham at the Etihad, defending their title as English champions for a fourth successive campaign.
While City will be hoping to get their hands on another piece of silverware, United will be looking to exact their revenge. In last year’s FA Cup final, the Red Devils suffered a 2-1 defeat to their local rivals, with Ilkay Gundogan finding an opener in record time.
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So, ahead of what’s poised to be a fiery showdown, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at taken a look at five things which stood out in the latest collection of training pictures ahead of the FA Cup final.
Martial returns after Keane and Rooney jibe
Martial was spotted back in action at Carrington following a couple of digs from Roy Keane and Wayne Rooney. Last week on Sky Sports, the Irishman said: “If you are constantly injured, you are no good to anybody. Okay, every club will have its few injuries.
“But there are certain players in that group there you are going ‘they are always injured’. You can’t rely on these players to turn up week in and week out and play for Man United.”
Singing from a similar hymn sheet, Rooney replied: “It is like Martial for instance, I have played with him. He is a very nice guy. But where has he been? I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen him play. What’s up with him?”
Keane added: “At least his contract is up. At least that is a plus, you say ‘listen, on you go’. But again it won’t be easy (the rebuild). It’s all well and good us sitting round here going ‘he needs to go’. The reality is it’s going to be really tough.”
If he gets the chance to get on the pitch on Saturday, Martial will no doubt be hoping to prove both former United players wrong. The forward looked unphased by the comments during the session, and his efforts in training hint that could well be ready for a final swansong.
Fernandes pulls the strings
Bruno Fernandes was the only player seen donning a blue bib while everyone else wore yellow or orange. This could suggest that the midfielder was the designated ‘magic man’ as part of a larger session.
The ‘magic man’ is somebody who plays on the team which is in possession during a rondo or small-sided game. By including this role, the players are encouraged to pass and move while also preparing themselves for transitions and turnovers.
Ten Hag given huge boost
Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane were spotted in training which is a huge boost for Ten Hag. With two strong centre-half options available, Manchester United stand a far better chance against Manchester City, who will be looking to pepper Andre Onana’s goal with shots.
Mount and Hojlund chat
Mason Mount and Rasmus Hojlund were spotted enjoying a chat while heading out for training. Neither started the 2-0 win over Brighton, although Hojlund did come on and bag himself a goal in the dying embers of the game.
Perhaps the duo were discussing how they plan to breakdown and crave open the Manchester City backline. Fans will be hoping that should they appear at Wembley, the duo are fresh and ready for the challenge of trying to win the cup.
Onana gears up for Haaland storm
Andre Onana faced plenty of shots in training as he gears up to face Erling Haaland this weekend. The 28-year-old goalkeeper has featured 50 times for Manchester United across all competitions this season, keeping 13 clean sheets.
The Cameroon international has been a key player for United this season following his £47.2m arrival from Inter Milan last summer. Onana faced City in the Champions League final for his former side last term, so the goalkeeper has a point to prove come Saturday.
Despite his best efforts, the Red Devils have struggled to keep the ball out of his net on several occasions this season. But United will need a strong defensive display if they are to beat the odds and end the season on a high against City.
With Martinez and Varane back in action, Onana will be hoping for a steely performance from his backline on Saturday.
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