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London: Victor Lindelof swept home the winning penalty kick against Brighton on Sunday to set up a first all-Manchester FA Cup final that could have so much more at stake than just the chance to win soccer’s oldest competition.
For Manchester United and Erik ten Hag, it could cap a very encouraging first year under the Dutch manager with a second major trophy — after winning the League Cup — and a statement of intent for next season.
For Manchester City, it could be the second leg of a historic treble that would emulate United’s feat in 1999 when it won the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup all in the same season.
Given the fan rivalry and City’s dominance over the past decade, the Wembley showdown is sure to be laced with tension.
“We will give everything and when I say everything, that is everything,” Ten Hag said after United beat Brighton 7-6 on penalty kicks in their semifinal game at Wembley following a 0-0 draw through extra time. “But of course we want to give that against City. We want to give the fans that, for sure.”
[bsa_pro_ad_space id=1]United’s treble success was its crowning glory under former manager Alex Ferguson, with the Champions League secured in dramatic fashion when substitutes Teddy Sheringham and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer scored in second-half stoppage time to beat Bayern Munich 2-1.
While City has gone on to become the dominant force in English soccer since being taken over by Abu Dhabi’s ruling family in 2008, the club has still never won the Champions League.
That could all change this season with Pep Guardiola’s side advancing to the semifinals for the third year in a row and looking in ominous form on the back of a 16-game unbeaten run.
City plays defending champions Real Madrid in the last four, so still has much to do to lift the one trophy it is yet to win.
A treble could be considered by some as final confirmation that the club has left United in its wake.
“I understand, of course, the feelings from the Man United fans about it,” Ten Hag said. “We can do it, because we proved it. It’s not an easy job though, it’s a great team, but we also have a great team and great players and we can beat them.”
Ten Hag has already led United to its first trophy in six years this season and is on course to secure Champions League qualification.