Manchester United take on Tottenham in the semi-finals of the FA Cup with both sides in dire need of silverware to salvage their season.
Having been eliminated in the Champions League quarter-finals by Juventus and with a top four spot all but secured, Spurs have slipped in the league of late, with a draw against Brighton following a defeat to Manchester City. Reaching the cup final would make for a more climatic end to their season.
United will be similarly motivated as they attempt to reach their 20th FA Cup final, equalling Arsenal’s record. Their defence has held them in good stead in the competition as they are yet to concede in the current edition.
SPURS MUST TAKE NEXT STEP
Mauricio Pochettino can talk all he wants about how well his side competed with Manchester City and insist that they are close to reaching that level but a fourth season without silverware with Spurs will start to raise questions.
There’s no denying the progress the Argentine has made with the north London side and the fact that they make up the core of the England national team speaks volumes as well. They consistently play attractive football, are consistently challenging more illustrious oppositions and consistently choking when a trophy is in sight.
United are just as desperate for victory and won’t roll over at Wembley but if Spurs are to establish themselves as a real force in English football, dispatching United and going on to claim a first trophy in 10 years is the way to do it.
Mauricio Pochettino
REDS’ RESPONSE
Some cynics claim United’s shocking defeat to West Brom at Old Trafford last week was merely a bitter ploy to deny their crosstown rivals the satisfaction of winning the title on their own terms and in front of their adoring fans.
In reality, it was just another one in a long line of underwhelming and uninspiring displays under Mourinho. The Portuguese quickly pointed his finger at the players and challenged them to earn in their place in the FA Cup semi-final.
Paul Pogba produced a much improved performance against Bournemouth, setting up Romelu Lukaku for the second in a 2-0 win while Ander Herrera’s midfield display did no harm to his chances either. A few would’ve made their way into the eleven for Saturday’s encounter but you get the feeling that there’s more on the line than just a slice of FA Cup glory.
With City so far ahead of the chasing pack this season, a summer of huge investment, again, seems on the cards at United. Against Spurs, and possibly in the final, many will be playing for their futures at the club, with those of Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford especially being questioned of late.
Romelu Lukaku (R) celebrates with Paul Pogba.
HOME COMFORTS
Tottenham struggled at Wembley early on this season, taking just 12 points from their first seven home games in the league campaign. However, they eventually acclimated to their new surroundings and of late, have thrived at the venue.
They were convincingly beaten by City last week but won eight of their previous 10 league fixtures at the ground, drawing the other two. Their win over United at the end of January should give them as much confidence as it strikes fear into their semi-final opponents.
The Red Devils were blown away in the opening half hour of that encounter and barely put up a fight. While City’s expansive style of play flourished on the widespread Wembley surface, United’s strategy of containing the opposition and striking on the break becomes that bit harder with a few extra yards of grass to operate in.
Having played on the ground for the length of the season, Spurs undoubtedly hold a home court advantage at this ‘neutral’ venue.
Tottenham beat United 2-0 at Wembley earlier this year.
