Chelsea vs Manchester United, Mourinho vs Conte, Blue vs Red.
Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup Final brings with it a clash for the ages as two of the most storied clubs in English football come together in a do-or-die battle for silverware.
The 137th edition of the world’s original cup competition saw 737 clubs compete for the trophy but just two are still standing, as Chelsea and Manchester United meet in their third final.
Saturday’s opponents also met in 2007 and 1994, with one win apiece, and United midfielder Ander Herrera is fully recognising of the challenge that lies ahead.“This club is about titles, about trophies, it’s about finals,” commented Herrera. “We have another chance to play in another final against a top team.
“[There is] 50 per cent of possibilities for us. We will respect Chelsea, they are a top team and are used to winning as well. That makes the Final even more difficult.
"But we are Manchester United, so they are going to respect us as well.”
United come into the match in fine fettle, having beaten Watford by 1-0 last Sunday on their way to finishing second in the Premier League – their best result since the 2012-13 season.
This Saturday will be the club’s 20th Emirates FA Cup Final and a win would produce a record-equalling 13th trophy in the historic competition, level with Arsenal.
“It’s a fantastic history that we’ve got,” added United defender Phil Jones. “Time does not stand still and we can’t let opportunities pass us by like the FA Cup Final coming up.
“This team and this squad is the one that has to keep producing trophies and maintaining the history of the club.”
The Blues, meanwhile, have appeared in 12 finals and won seven of them, the last of which came in 2012 courtesy of a 2-1 win over Liverpool – with Ramires and Didier Drogba in goalscoring form under the Wembley arch.
Chelsea were beaten finalists last year, losing out 2-1 to Arsenal, but now have the chance to for glory again and finish their season on the ultimate high.
Blues midfielder Cesc Fabregas: “All I know is that last year we didn’t play well in the Cup Final.
“I was on the bench and I remember the coach telling me to warm up after six minutes, so when a coach does that it means he’s seen something from the start is not right.
“We have to make sure that from the beginning this year we are on top of our game, because it’s one game that can decide if you are a champion or not.
“It’s been a difficult season for us so finishing on a high is good for the club, the fans and ourselves.”
