Is the FA Cup final the biggest Manchester Derby ever?

Manchester City are Manchester United are confirmed to be the two sides that will contest the FA Cup Final. City advanced to the final with a 3-0 win over Sheffield United. Erik ten Hag’s United side edged past Brighton & Hove Albion on penalties following a goalless draw at Wembley. City are bidding to secure a famous treble and United are aiming for double cup success in their new manager’s debut season. Based on the circumstances, this could be the biggest Manchester derby to date.

Manchester City 🆚 Manchester United at Wembley.

It’s the first FA Cup final ever between Man Utd and Man City. pic.twitter.com/C35BCr4FAJ

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 23, 2023

City are the favourites to make history

The two sides have played out many thrillers in recent history, but the fixture has also seen its fair share of one-sided thrashings. This time around City is expected to come out on top, and fans from around the world will be taking note of this game. In the live betting in Zambia, Pep Guardiola’s side are priced at 2/7 to win their seventh FA Cup trophy. City are seeking a remarkable treble victory in winning the Premier League, FA Cup and UEFA Champions League. The FA Cup will be step two of their journey, and United will have the chance to prevent their rivals from replicating their historic 1999 feat. United can of course create fresh history for themselves in the process. Securing both domestic cups in Ten Hag’s opening season would represent a huge success.

A number of United players will be looking to build on their strong form in the competition to potentially upset City at Wembley. The FA Cup final is set to be a huge occasion for a host of reasons, but what were some of the most memorable fixtures between the teams in the past?

Turn back to when City relegated United

Back in 1974, arguably the most significant Manchester Derby fixture took place. United faced City knowing a defeat would relegate them from the top flight. Ex-Red Devil Dennis Law delivered the fatal blow for City. Despite often being in the shadow of United, City was once responsible for United losing their first-division status.

Intense title fights

Ever since City’s takeover by Sheikh Mansour, the two sides’ competitive rivalry has heated up. In the 2010s they both regularly competed for Premier League titles. One of the most memorable games they played came in October of 2011. United were looking to lay down an early statement in their title defence, while City were looking to become English champions for the first time since 1968.

United were thrashed 6-1 and the result foreshadowed a shift in power over the following years. City won the league title on goal difference through that iconic Sergio Aguero goal. United’s capitulation ultimately cost them the league title. If they instead lost by one or two goals against City, they would have successfully defended their title.

Pep Guardiola has won 9/10 of the domestic cup finals he's been a manager for…

The only final he lost was to Jose Mourinho 🧠 pic.twitter.com/0sYih1SqDN

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) April 24, 2023

United and City have played out numerous historic battles over the years, including relegation fights and title showdowns. In June, the two sides will face off with the chance to have a significant impact on both clubs’ histories. One club could achieve a famous double or treble success while condemning the other to misery and disappointment. This could be the biggest battle between the Manchester clubs ever.