Paul Merson ditched major Man City vs Man Utd FA Cup final score prediction as he made ‘shocked’ statement

Erik ten Hag’s men reached their second FA Cup final in a row after the Red Devils avoided an FA Cup defeat to Coventry City in the semi-final last month.

United failed to win the FA Cup trophy in Erik ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford, with the Red Devils suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley in 2023.

City, meanwhile, retained the Premier League title for the fourth consecutive season and reached the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Chelsea in the semi-final.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag says Man Utd star could be the difference against Man City in FA Cup final if he ‘steps up’

Merson talks Man Utd and Ten Hag

Erik ten Hag has had a turbulent second season at Manchester United, with the Red Devils finishing eighth in the Premier League table.

The Premier League club will be deprived of Champions League football next season and Ten Hag’s long-term future at Old Trafford remains shrouded in mystery.

The 54-year-old Dutchman’s fate at United has become uncertain following the arrival of Ineos chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe as co-owner of the Red Devils.

Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Paul Merson insisted United must “make up their minds” on Ten Hag’s future after the FA Cup final.

The Sky Sports pundit spoke about the squad depth issues in United’s first team and how the Red Devils desperately need to strengthen certain positions.

“They probably need a central defender to play alongside Lisandro Martinez,” he wrote.

“I thought the Argentine would struggle in the Premier League because of his size, but he was really impressive in his first season and really proved me wrong.

“Andre Onana hasn’t performed well enough to justify his hype, and they don’t have a go-to man in midfield, although as talented as Rasmus Hojlund is, I doubt he’s ready to play yet. lead the line.

“They need to decide on Erik ten Hag by Monday and think about the next steps, because suddenly Pochettino is available and was once wanted by Ineos at Nice.

“I don’t know how it ended, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they moved quickly for him if they decided to part ways with Ten Hag.”

READ MORE: Baffled Paul Merson reacts to ‘big news’ that experienced Man Utd star won’t play at Euro 2024, he ‘would have taken it’

Merson predicts Man City vs Man Utd

Ten Hag’s United side face a daunting task as they defy the odds and beat City in the FA Cup final at Wembley this weekend.

The Red Devils have suffered from a lack of consistency in the current season and have been disappointed at times with their performances under Ten Hag.

Merson insisted City are a “well-oiled machine” and their “mentality is phenomenal” under Pep Guardiola.

The 56-year-old Arsenal hero gave United “no chance” in the FA Cup final and would be “shocked” if they won, with Merson backing a 3-0 scoreline for City.

“Coming back to the game, Manchester City are too good a team to slack off and show up to the game hungover from their title celebrations,” Merson added.

“They’re a well-oiled machine and their mentality is phenomenal, I can’t say enough about them.”

“I’d be shocked if Manchester United were close to winning this one, but they need to score first to have any chance of getting their hands on the trophy.

“A few years ago, Manchester United always had the threat of counter-attacking to cause City problems, and they got a handful of results against their local rivals, but this time I’m not giving them a chance.”

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