Man City can use 2011 inspiration to extend Manchester United torture in FA Cup final

Taking 2011 inspiration

Back in 2011, when Manchester United were still dominating English football under Sir Alex Ferguson, the Noisy Neighours from across town had got themselves to the FA Cup semi-final, in search of a first trophy for three decades. United expected the win, but Manchester City rocked up and spoiled the party, with Yaya Toure's second-half goal enough to book a place in the final that the Blues would go on to win.

The 6-1 later that year, and the 2012 Premier League title win, can be pointed to as the moment the power shifted in Manchester, but it was that semi-final at Wembley that made City believe they could win trophies and overtake United. They kept their heads as United lost theirs at full-time, and City haven't looked back since. Now, the Class of 2023 can use 2011 as a lesson for how to approach this weekend's historic FA Cup final with more than just a trophy on the line.

United are desperate to stop City winning the treble this season, thus preserving their 1999 achievement. If City can keep that dream alive by beating United on Saturday, they will not only extend the torture of United fans for another week, but they will show they are ready to take the next step in becoming a truly elite club, recognised by the rest of the world. 12 years ago, the goal was to show City belonged at the top table in England. Now, victory at Wembley would put Europe - and the world - on alert that Pep Guardiola's side are finally ready to mark their territory as one of the best club sides ever.

Guardiola's fitness bluff?

After a second-string side lost at Brentford at the weekend, Pep Guardiola issued a worrying assessment over his first-choice players. Ruben Dias and Jack Grealish hadn't trained in ten