Erik ten Hag has been told that one Manchester United star could make the real difference against Manchester City in the FA Cup final if he ‘steps up.’
That is according to Arsenal legend Ray Parlour, who has refused to rule out one Manchester United player due to his experience in “massive” matches.
The Red Devils fell short of the FA Cup trophy in Erik ten Hag’s debut season at Old Trafford after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in the final in 2023.
However, Ten Hag successfully secured United’s return to the final in the current campaign, despite the Red Devils avoiding a late FA Cup upset to Coventry City.
United fended off a late comeback from Coventry City in the semi-finals in April and clinched the win over Mark Robins’ men in a penalty shootout win at Wembley.
Premier League champions City, on the other hand, punched their ticket to the FA Cup final after Bernardo Silva scored the winner against Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Parlour urges Man Utd star to show his worth
Speaking to The Daily Mirror, Arsenal legend Ray Parlour believes that the FA Cup final on Saturday could be Casemiro’s moment to shine for Manchester United.
Casemiro has faced significant criticism this season over his waning influence in a United shirt, despite remaining an important player for Ten Hag.
The 32-year-old former Real Madrid star has had to contend with injuries this season and Casemiro has appeared off the pace at times during matches.
Casemiro has also stepped up as a makeshift centre-back in recent weeks for Ten Hag amid the United boss facing an injury crisis in his first-team squad.
But the Brazil captain could potentially return to midfield duties for the FA Cup final after the return of Lisandro Martinez and soon-to-be free agent Raphael Varane.
“Casemiro has played in massive games and you’d expect him to stand up,” Parlour said.
“He has to have a really good game if United are to win. It’s not been as compact as it should be. United back in the day, with Scholes and Keane, it was a real unit and really hard to get past them.
“It’s easier now. But they know what this is all about and I expect Casemiro to step up and show he can still be the man.”
Parlour predicts Man City vs Man Utd
Despite his expectations for Casemiro, Parlour insisted that United face an uphill battle in defying the odds and clinching the FA Cup trophy on 25th May.
“I can’t see past City,” he said.
“They know how to get the job done. They were always going to win the league. Form can go out the window and United have matchwinners as well but they need everyone to have an eight or nine out of 10 and take their chances when they come around.
“Then Man City need to be off it, have three players off it, to give United a chance. If everyone plays to their level, City win it. United have been disjointed.
“The consistency hasn’t been there. I think any United fan will say they have shown up in some games and not in others.”
United vs City is slated for kick-off for 3pm UK time on Saturday.