More history beckons Man City as ailing United stand in their way

LONDON : Twenty five years ago Manchester United were winning an historic treble while Manchester City were just about clawing their way out of the English soccer's third tier.

On Saturday in the FA Cup final at Wembley, City will be looking to follow up their own treble last season with a double to underline just how far the pendulum has swung.

For the second season in succession, United stand in the way of City and another landmark triumph.

Only eight clubs in English history have won the English league title and FA Cup in the same season, United managing it three times during their pomp.

But no club has achieved the feat in successive seasons so City, who sealed an unprecedented fourth Premier League title in a row last weekend, have the opportunity to inflict yet another blow to the pride of their neighbours.

Last season United gave City a run for their money despite conceding a goal to Ilkay Gundogan inside 15 seconds, Erik Ten Hag's side eventually losing 2-1.

This season, however, while City have again looked untouchable, United have regressed and finished eighth in the Premier League, 31 points behind Pep Guardiola's side, having scored 39 fewer goals and conceding 24 more.

United also showed their vulnerability as they let slip a 3-0 lead in the semi-final against second-tier Coventry City before winning on penalties to ensure the same two clubs contest the FA Cup final two years in a row for the first time since 1885.

LAST HURRAH

With speculation swirling about Ten Hag's future, Saturday's showdown could turn out to be his last hurrah, even if the Dutchman does pull of a masterstroke and add the FA Cup to the League Cup he won his first season in charge.

United are seeking their first FA Cup triumph since 2016 when they