Source: Daily_Mail
Manchester United set to celebrate 19th title as City walk out for FA Cup final
Share[LNB]Well, nobody can say there hasn't been due warning. Goodness knows, we were banging on about this issue back in the autumn.[LNB]And on Saturday, the embarrassing scenario that football's authorities must have most feared looks like it will materialise.[LNB]In years gone by, the FA Cup final used to be a time when the nation would gather in front of their television sets just after breakfast, and stay watching the whole blessed thing until teatime.[LNB] Heading for glory: Nemanja Vidic scores Manchester United's second goal against Chelsea on Sunday[LNB]How times have changed. This weekend, it looks very much as if Manchester United will be clinching the title at just about the time 'Abide With Me' is being sung by Manchester City and Stoke fans at Wembley.[LNB]After United's win against Chelsea, the Reds need just a point against Blackburn to ensure a record 19th league title is heading to Old Trafford.[LNB]With United's match at Ewood Park kicking off at 12.45pm, their supporters could well still be celebrating in the stands as the two Citys kick off at Wembley in the Cup final, which begins at its traditional time of 3pm.[LNB]Some United fans are expressing some satisfaction that an historic achievement is likely to overshadow City's attempts to win a first trophy in 35 years.[LNB]They have previous for this, with City's last league title success in 1968 followed by United's unforgettable European Cup triumph against Benfica at Wembley.[LNB] Wembley showdown: Manchester City and Stoke City play in the FA Cup final this weekend[LNB]The FA will no doubt be embarrassed, and possibly a little angry, that their showpiece occasion might be treated by some supporters as little more than a sideshow.[LNB]And it isn't just the match at Ewood Park. There are three other top flight games at 12.45 too. Blackpool face Bolton, Sunderland take on Wolves and West Bromwich Albion entertain Everton.[LNB]The whole mess is largely down to the European Cup final being played at Wembley later this month. UEFA rules stipulate that Wembley cannot be used for two weeks before the big match, hence the FA Cup final moving back to its slot on May 14.[LNB]Both the Premier League and FA have been busy blaming each other for the highly unfortunate situation, but one thing seems certain. The authorities have found a whole new way to denigrate the FA Cup.[LNB]Can there be anyone out there that genuinely believes the old competition can be saved?[LNB] Just champion! The title is ours - we won't slip up, roars FergieMartin Samuel: Fergie hasn't just knocked Liverpool off their perch...[LNB] [LNB]
