Manchester United had high hopes for the 2017/18 season. However, Jose Mourinho’s only chance to secure silverware lies in the FA Cup.
Manchester United fought tooth and nail all season in hopes to receive silverware. The Red Devils fell into the shadows of their noisy neighbors this season. Manchester City won the Premier League by a substantial amount of points, but United have the chance to win the FA Cup.
In the final, Manchester United will face off against Chelsea, a formidable opponent. Earlier in the season, Jose Mourinho’s men bested Chelsea 2-1. Going into the FA Cup final, United look to silence Antonio Conte’s men once again.
Manchester United did a great job containing Eden Hazard during their fixture early in the season. Mourinho aimed to take their playmaker out of the game, as Hazard may be one of the best wingers in the league. Conte’s men look to exact their revenge in the final, but United have other plans.
Romelu Lukaku picked up an injury a few weeks ago, but the Belgian should be fit for battle by the time the final comes around. Additionally, there are no other significant injuries in the squad. Thus, Mourinho should not have any trouble forming a starting eleven.
What players will play a significant role in Mourinho’s starting eleven?
First and foremost, Mourinho needs someone that can shut down their main star, Eden Hazard. Last season, Ander Herrera was chosen to do the job, and he did it well. This season, Mourinho looked to Scott McTominay, as Herrera picked up an injury. Now, the boss has a few options when considering who will take Hazard out of the game.
In addition, Lukaku will prove to be vital up top. The Belgian missed the last few games of the Premier League season, and United needed him dearly against opponents that should be easy to score on. Lukaku ignited the comeback against Chelsea earlier in the season, and it is quite possible that the striker will come up big again for Manchester United.
In defense, the boss needs a physical presence, but he also needs a smart defender. Eric Bailly may be the man for the job. Furthermore, Bailly is one of United’s newer signings, but the Ivory Coast defender showed a lot of promise throughout the season, even though he gets injured easily. With the attacking power that Chelsea has, Bailly will be instrumental in shutting down the Chelsea offense.
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Ultimately, this is United’s last chance for silverware this season. Even though they finished in second place, the FA Cup final will prove to be vital in the ending of the season. Manchester United started the season strong. While they encountered a few bumps in the road along the way, they look to put that aside and finish the season strong. Can United salvage what’s left of their season?