The 2023/24 soccer season in England will conclude on the weekend with Manchester City coming up against city rivals, Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup. The occasion promises to be a blockbuster for fans around the world with a lot riding on the fixture for both clubs. The build-up to the match has been filled with an abundance of emotions from both fanbases as well as the neutral parties.
UNITED FANS
we’re giving away free pizza to the first 115 of you who visit our Wembley Store tomorrow
fans of other clubs playing nearby, feel free to lodge an appeal pic.twitter.com/BZINeQVyKt
— Domino’s Pizza UK (@Dominos_UK) May 24, 2024
Renowned food chain, Domino’s Pizza took to their social media to have a go at the reigning FA Cup champions, Manchester City before this year’s final. Their post announced an alert for the United fans offering free pizzas to the first 115 customers at their Wembley store on the day of the fixture. Including the number 115 in particular was recognized by many as a way of trolling Manchester City who are currently facing 115 charges in respect of violation of Premier League’s financial regulations.
Manchester City looks to retain FA Cup in rematch against United
Pep Guardiola’s side have once again enjoyed a spectacular season. Despite falling short in the UEFA Champions League, City were successfully able to retain their Premier League crown. Now with the end of the campaign nearing, the Cityzens will look to do the same in the FA Cup. Last season, Guardiola led his team to win their seventh FA Cup beating United in the final thanks to a brace from club legend, Ilkay Gundogan.
“When it’s a derby, it means more for the fans and more for the players.” ⚔️
Phil Foden previews Manchester City’s meeting with rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final 🏆⏳ pic.twitter.com/6CSjnADDI1
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 24, 2024
This time around too, Manchester City are undoubtedly the overwhelming favorites to lift the trophy against a side that has endured a difficult campaign. Erik ten Hag and Manchester United have experienced a campaign to forget, underperforming on all levels. On the other hand, their city rivals are on a splendid winning streak recently and look set to continue their invincible run in the final. The English champions have also dominated United this season, winning both league encounters between the sides.
Trial on City’s 115 charges is expected to take place soon
In 2023, Manchester City were charged with breaking the Financial Fair Play regulations in the Premier League. The club was pronounced guilty of a massive 115 breaches of the league’s financial rules. The alleged period was said to be from the beginning of the 2009/10 season till 2018. The announcement sent huge shock waves in English soccer considering the dominance City had enjoyed domestically in recent campaigns. Inevitably, accusations began surfacing surrounding the club’s success.
🗣️ Rio Ferdinand on Manchester City’s 115 FFP charges:
“There is a cloud over football & Man City with it. 2 years since the charges first came out & Man City have been allowed to win 2 Premier League titles.
So the powers that be need to knuckle down and get this done for… pic.twitter.com/wen7MsQakp
— Football Talk (@FootballTalkHQ) May 21, 2024
Manchester City has maintained distance from these allegations ever since. Premier League CEO, Richard Masters has proclaimed that an official hearing concerning the case will be held soon. Further details of the situation were not revealed, keeping in line with the confidentiality mandate. Nevertheless, it has been reported that a trial will soon take place, with a verdict imminent. The consequences of the hearing will impact not only Manchester City but the whole soccer world for many years to come.