City are heavily favored heading into the FA Cup final against United, having secured their fourth consecutive Premier League title. In contrast, the Red Devils experienced their lowest league finish since 1990 and ended with a negative goal difference. This dismal campaign appears likely to result in Ten Hag losing his job. Despite this, Guardiola empathized with United, acknowledging their struggles with injuries.

Expressing his sympathy, Guardiola stated in a press conference, “He has done many good things, I have huge respect for his job in the past and now at United I completely agree when I listen to him when he says they have not had a full squad this season and had a lot of injuries,” Guardiola told a press conference. “I think this is the most important thing they have to think about because I am always focused that we have to be fit, fit, fit – otherwise we cannot use the players. They had a lot of problems and when that happens the manager suffers a lot. The squad is really good but the problem is when you cannot use them. This is a big disadvantage.”

Despite United’s adversities, Guardiola emphasized that they cannot be discounted, singling out Bruno Fernandes as their standout performer. “The brilliant players they have up front, Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, Rasmus Hojlund. The influence of Bruno on that team is outstanding. His creativity is one of the best I have ever seen.”

Ten Hag grappled with over 60 injuries this season, resulting in players missing more than 350 games collectively. United will be without Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire for the final, while City’s only injury concern is Ederson, who would have been absent regardless as Stefan Ortega is the preferred goalkeeper for cup competitions.

City have the opportunity to make history by becoming the first English team to secure consecutive doubles of the league title and FA Cup. Guardiola encouraged his players, saying, “The history gives us a chance to do what hasn’t been done before, why not try it? Maybe it is an extra motivation for the players, I don’t speak about it but like I said to them, just to play to win. No team had won four [titles] in a row, when they have not done back to back FA Cups it is because it is not easy. At the same time, what’s next? That is the mentality the big teams have to show, go for it with all they have.”

Manchester City performance and stats

Manchester City is currently 1st in the Premier League with 88 points.

In the last 38 games, it has won 28 times, drawn 7 times, and lost 3 times. In its last match, Manchester City won 3-1 against West Ham United.​​

It has a positive goal difference after scoring 93 goals and conceding 33.​

Manchester United performance and stats

Manchester United is currently 8th in the Premier League with 54 points.

In the last 38 games, it has won 18 times, drawn 6 times, and lost 14 times. In its last match, Manchester United won 0-2 against Brighton & Hove Albion.​​

It has a negative goal difference after scoring 52 goals and conceding 56.​