Man Utd fancied to continue improvement with 13th FA Cup success

Manchester United face Chelsea in the 2018 FA Cup final on 19 May and both sides will be desperate to end their season on a high by lifting the historic trophy.

Ander Herrera’s winner sent United into a record-equalling 20th final and condemned Tottenham Hotspur to their eighth successive defeat in the last four of the competition.

United have now reached their 29th major domestic cup final, more than any other side in English football.

A superb goal by Olivier Giroud and a header by substitute Alvaro Morata saw Chelsea overcome Southampton 2-0 in the second semi-final.

United have come in for plenty of criticism this season, but it’s fair to say that they are steadily improving under manager Jose Mourinho.

The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last season, but they are on course to claim the runners-up spot this time around.

Having won the EFL Cup and the Europa League during his first season in charge, Mourinho could rightly claim to be recreating a winning culture at the club if United can see off Chelsea’s challenge in the FA Cup final.

Chelsea were favourites against Arsenal in last season’s final after being crowned Premier League champions, but couldn’t make it a double as the Gunners sealed a 2-1 victory.

The Blues are priced at Evens to gain redemption this time around, with United available at 4/5.

This year’s final will be a repeat of the 2007 showpiece when Chelsea, managed by Mourinho, beat United 1-0 after extra-time.

The Red Devils enjoyed a smooth passage to the semi-finals, defeating Derby County, Yeovil Town, Huddersfield Town and Brighton & Hove Albion without conceding a goal.

Chelsea required a replay to see off Norwich City in the third round, but they beat Newcastle United, Hull City and Leicester City at the first time of asking to reach the last four.

Both sides deservedly won their respective semi-finals and there is likely to be little to choose between them at Wembley.

Chelsea will take plenty of heart from their recent record against United, having won nine and drawn three of their last 14 meetings in all competitions.

However, United have triumphed in two of their last three matches against the Blues and Mourinho will believe he knows what it takes to beat his former club.

The game could be Antonio Conte’s last in charge of Chelsea, but United are fancied to continue their improvement under Mourinho and win the FA Cup for the 13th time.