Manchester United FA Cup final squad confirms Erik ten Hag's summer transfer priorities

As Erik Ten Hag takes his seat in the Wembley dugout on Saturday he could be forgiven for casting an envious look at the opposition bench.

Pep Guardiola will have the luxury of introducing Julian Alvarez, Phil Foden or Riyad Mahrez. With the exception of Alejandro Garnacho, a look at the United replacements come kick off on Saturday is unlikely to inspire much confidence.

While well stocked for defensive cover, the attacking options available to change a game are limited to the Argentine. He has been a standout performer when introduced as a sub this season and has the potential to worry Manchester City.

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Elsewhere it’s slim pickings. Wout Weghorst has struggled since his mid-season arrival while the likes of Pellistri and Anthony Elanga have yet to convince Ten Hag. The alternatives would be untried youngsters.

Anthony Martial’s injury, added to the absence of Antony, Lisandro Martinez and Marcel Sabitzer means Ten Hag is missing several senior players for the showpiece. Fred could be handed a start in midfield, allowing Bruno Fernandes to play wide with Marcus Rashford through the middle.

The starting XI is capable of ending City’s Treble hopes, but the squad depth favours the blue half of Manchester. It’s what’s put them in contention for a Treble and is why they were able to reel in an Arsenal side in a similar squad position to United, to win the Premier League title.

If the Reds are to close the gap they’ll need to recruit effectively and efficiently. City rarely spend north of £60million players and while they’ve the resources to act with a certain carte Blanche in the market, they’ve done so effectively. Even their squad signings like