Manchester City, Manchester United turn to FA Cup glory to save poor seasons
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Manchester City striker Erling Haaland and his teammates celebrate after beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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LONDON – Manchester City’s hopes of a trophy this season now rest solely on the FA Cup ahead of the visit of second-tier Plymouth Argyle on March 1, while holders Manchester United also desperately need silverware to rescue a miserable campaign.
With Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur already out, the path has been cleared for the Manchester giants, who have faced off in each of the past two finals.
Here is a look at the pick of the ties from the fifth round this weekend.
Man City v Plymouth, March 1
Plymouth were the story of the fourth round as they stunned Liverpool 1-0 at Home Park.
Their reward is a trip to the Etihad and a shot at another monumental shock.
Plymouth boss Miron Muslic has become an internet sensation after clips of his inspirational team talks went viral and he is looking forward to coming up against his coaching idol Pep Guardiola.
“It’s the biggest honour in my life,” he said. “I’m very much looking forward to shaking his hand and telling him that he’s a giant of our sport and a huge role model for every single coach in the world.”
Man United v Fulham, March 2
United saved a shambolic campaign last season by beating City to lift the FA Cup but few can see them winning again.
The Red Devils did show heart in beating Ipswich Town 3-2 on Feb 26, despite Patrick Dorgu’s first-half red card for just a third English Premier League win in 11 matches.
Ninth-placed Fulham sit five places and nine points above United, but have lost both meetings between the sides 1-0 this season.
The Cottagers not only have revenge for those matches in mind, but also for a controversial FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford in 2023.
Fulham led 1-0 with 15 minutes to go until Aleksandar Mitrovic, Willian and manager Marco Silva were all sent off following a handball on his own line by Willian.
United went on to win 3-1 and Mitrovic received an eight-game ban for pushing the referee.
Newcastle v Brighton, March 2
Arguably the tie of the round sees sixth in the Premier League take on eighth. Newcastle United already have one final to look forward to against Liverpool in the League Cup in March.
The Magpies have not won a major trophy for 56 years but can ill afford to let the success or failure of their season hang on a clash with the Reds, so the FA Cup will be equally important.
Much will depend on 21-goal striker Alexander Isak, who is a doubt for the FA Cup tie due to a groin strain, but not a long-term absentee, according to manager Eddie Howe.
Brighton & Hove Albion, meanwhile, have won four in a row.
The Seagulls won at St James’ Park earlier in the season and often save their best for the toughest opposition. AFP
