Rio Ferdinand predicts the outcome of the FA Cup final

Rio Ferdinand predicts that the former Manchester United player is very eager for the club to secure victory in the FA Cup final against Manchester City, but finds the reality to be entirely different when looking at the facts.

Man Utd and Man City will meet for the third time this season as they clash in the FA Cup final. In the two previous encounters in the Premier League, Ten Hag’s squad suffered humiliating defeats against The Citizens. Now, the Red Devils are facing the prospect of a complete failure against their arch-rivals. However, the determination to secure a spot in European competition next season will serve as a morale booster for the Man Utd players to potentially create an upset against Man City.

Ahead of the kick-off at Wembley, former Man Utd player Rio Ferdinand made some predictions about the match. Ferdinand displayed a dilemma between sentiment and reality, stating: “My heart tells me Man Utd will win on penalties after a tough game. But my head tells me Man City will defeat us. I can’t predict the exact score. Honestly, I think Man City will win. They will dominate, and United may not even have many opportunities to possess the ball.”

Additionally, Ferdinand also believes that his former team will have to put in a lot of effort and rely on luck to defeat Pep Guardiola’s side. Ferdinand shared: “Based on what I’ve observed this season, to be honest, I have no confidence in Man Utd winning.

This is the first time I’ve approached a final with Man Utd thinking that we have a VERY VERY VERY slim chance of victory. In the past, whenever I attended cup finals with Man Utd, I always thought, ‘This is a cup final, Man Utd will win this,’ or ‘Man Utd has a really good chance of winning.’ The gap between Man Utd and Man City is currently the widest it has ever been. The regression of United compared to City at this moment is too significant. So, how can I confidently step into this match?”

The former England international added, “However, there’s still a glimmer of hope for United. We have players like Bruno, Rashford, or Garnacho who can produce decisive moments of brilliance. Remember Marcus’s goal against City at the beginning of the season?”

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Although there are players who can produce breakthrough moments, can United prevent City from scoring in the remaining part of the match? I’ll be sitting there on the edge of my seat, probably losing my mind for the full 90 minutes, and my hair might turn gray too. But as football fans, we still have hope. Hope, almost… foolishly optimistic! But that’s what keeps us alive with football, no matter how little hope there may be.”

The FA Cup final between Man Utd and Man City will take place tomorrow (May 25).