2016 FA Cup Final – Manchester United Team Preview / Predictions

Manchester United (-144)

Team Strengths:

What makes Manchester United such a tough team to beat nowadays is their stingy defense. The Red Devils have conceded just 35 goals in the Premier League this season, the fewest allowed this campaign. They have displayed that same defensive intensity in this year’s FA Cup, surrendering just four goals over six matches in this competition.

Starring for the United backline this season is goalkeeper David de Gea. The Spanish international has proven his worth in goal in the FA Cup, pulling off a whopping 20 saves this campaign. That’s the highest mark among goalies who participated in this season’s FA Cup. De Gea, widely recognised as the top flight’s best keeper, has a total of 19 clean sheets in all competitions this term.

Team Weaknesses:

As good as United’s defense can be, though, their attack has been problematic for them this season. The Red Devils have scored just 49 goals in the Premier League this campaign, 10th-best in the English top flight. Their goals have come at a rate of just 1.29 a game, the lowest in the Red Devils’ Premier League history.In fact, Anthony Martial (17) and Wayne Rooney (15) are the only United players to score in double-figures this term.

Manager Louis Van Gaal needs all the help he can get for United to capture their first silverware in the post-Fergie era. Fortunately for the Dutch tactician, he has the emerging Marcus Rashford on his side this coming Saturday. Ever since he made his debut on February 25, the 18-year-old phenom hasn’t stopped scoring for the 11-time FA Cup champions. Rashford has racked up eight goals in 17 appearances for the Red Devils. His speed will be crucial for United if they are to unlock a Crystal Palace defense that has recorded three clean sheets in this season’s FA Cup.

Team Stats (During FA Cup):

Category | Stat
Goals Scored Per Game | 2.0
Goals Conceded Per Game | 0.67
Goal Attempts Per Game | 16.5
Shots on Goal Per Game | 4.3
Ball Possession Percentage | 63%

Starting Lineup: (4-5-1)

Position | Name (Age) | Career Appearances (Manchester United) | Goals
Goalie | David de Gea (25) | 165 | 0
Defender | Chris Smalling (26) | 134 | 6
Defender | Daley Blind (26) | 63 | 3
Defender | Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (19) | 10 | 0
Defender | Antonio Valencia (30) | 166 | 13
Midfielder | Morgan Schneiderlin (26) | 31 | 1
Midfielder | Michael Carrick (34) | 286 | 17
Midfielder | Anthony Martial (20) | 31 | 11
Midfielder | Wayne Rooney (30) | 368 | 178
Midfielder | Jesse Lingard (23) | 26 | 4
Forward | Marcus Rashford (18) | 11 | 5

Writer’s Prediction

Manchester United (-144) capture their 12th FA Cup title with a 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.

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