Manchester United and Crystal Palace clash in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday. Here, football.co.uk looks at some talking points ahead of the game.
LOUIS VAN GAAL
The future of the Manchester United manager has been the subject of considerable speculation all season and his position seems even more vulnerable now that the club have missed out on a place in the Champions League for next season. Opinions differ on whether victory in the FA Cup final will be enough to save him. Former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has been consistently linked with Old Trafford and that conjecture could increase whether United win or lose.
A CONSOLATION OPPORTUNITY FOR UNITED
Given how lightly Arsenal's FA Cup successes over the past two seasons seem to be regarded by some of their fans, it seems unlikely that United supporters would regard victory as anything other than a consolation. This is a club used to winning the Premier League and therefore a finish outside the top four can only be regarded as a severe disappointment. Winning the FA Cup would make for a good day for United, but long term the critics are unlikely to be appeased.
MEMORIES OF 1990
The clash of United and Palace brings back memories of the classic final of 26 years ago. The first game ended 3-3 after extra time with a fresh-faced Ian Wright, returning from the broken leg that kept him out of the semi-final, scoring twice for Palace. Mark Hughes scored two of United's goals. United dramatically dropped goalkeeper Jim Leighton for the replay and won 1-0 with a Lee Martin goal. The victory meant a difficult season for United and their under-fire manager Alex Ferguson ended with a first trophy under the Scot's charge. The rest is history.
PALACE UP FOR IT
Palace made a bright start to the season but their form deserted them in January and a slide down the Premier League table almost developed into a battle against relegation. Their run in the cup provided a great escape from the difficulties of league life and, now their top-flight status is assured, players and fans should be fully focused on Wembley. They would seem to have little to lose against a troubled United side.
IS THERE A NEW CURSE AFFECTING FINALISTS?
If the past three finals are anything to go by, trouble could be around the corner for one of the teams. Wigan (2013), Hull (2014) and Aston Villa (2015) have all been relegated since playing in the Wembley showpiece.
Source: PA-WIRE
