History made in FA Cup final as Gary Lineker reveals ‘this is the first time they’ve ever done that’
FOR the first time in FA Cup history a word has been engraved into the iconic trophy ahead of the final.
Manchester United meet Manchester City at Wembley this afternoon.
And before kick-off, host Gary Lineker highlighted a big difference to the prize, which had blue and red ribbons on it.
The word “Manchester” has already been carved into the trophy.
At full-time, the engravers only have to add either “City” or “United” to the cup knowing it will head up north tonight.
On the decision to etch a word on early, Andy Ambler, The FA’s director of professional game relations, said: “It’s remarkable that these giants of English football have won the competition on 18 out of a possible 141 occasions between them but not met in the final until now.
“This unique engraving underlines the historic nature of the game in prospect, and we can’t wait to see whether it will be City or United added to the trophy.”
Man Utd will be hoping it is their name put on it as they aim to prevent their rivals from winning the Treble.
Pep Guardiola’s men have already won the Premier League and have the Champions League final against Inter Milan next weekend.
But despite holding the potential to leave their rivals heartbroken and protect the legacy of United’s 1999 Treble-winning team, Erik ten Hag insists his team are not impacted by it.
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He explained: “We want to win a cup,
“It is not about stopping City. It is about us winning the cup. It’s a great opportunity.
“This is a good test for us. I think City have done a very good job.
“They play very good football so they deserve it but I don’t look at them.
“Of course I look at our opponents but we look to ourselves and you have to see where you are as a club and from there you have to make progress and I think we did last season.
“Wembley is probably the best stadium in the world and to be there is very exciting.”