David James predicts the FA Cup final winner and suggests a substitute for Manchester United’s superstar in the post-Ronaldo era.

Since Ronaldo’s departure, Man United have placed third in the Premier League and won the League Cup in Ten Hag’s first season as manager.

Man United finished third in the Premier League after Ronaldo’s departure (AP).

Erik ten Hag propelled his club to English League Cup glory before Old Trafford stalwarts punched their tickets for a blockbuster encounter with bitter rivals Manchester City in the Football Association Challenge Cup (FA Cup) final in a season where Manchester United’s ‘prodigal son’ Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win a major trophy after ending his loveless marriage with the Red Devils. Former Ajax manager Ten Hag has inspired a turnaround in his first season as manager of the Red Devils in the post-Ronaldo era at Old Trafford. (Manchester City vs. Manchester United Live FA Cup Final Score)

Ten Hag’s Manchester United won the League Cup with a 2-0 triumph over Newcastle United after Ronaldo’s departure. After finishing third in the English Premier League, the Premier League heavyweights have also returned to the UEFA Champions League. It is clear that a manager like Ten Hag can construct a long-term project at Old Trafford. Having said that, it will be intriguing to see who he wants to connect up with at Manchester United throughout the transfer season.

When you look at Alex Ferguson’s time at Manchester United, especially in the start, I believe he was a ubiquitous manager. He was in charge of everything. Knowing Manchester United players at the time, he didn’t get too engaged in what was going on. He had constructed an atmosphere, practically an ecosystem, in which he would be the leader, creating prizes and championship teams.

Pep may believe he is still in the early stages because he hasn’t been there as long as Ferguson. He is active in everything and does everything. He was up and down in his regular form against Brentford. However, what I’ve seen with Pep Guardiola this season is a shift in his approach to football games in terms of tactical setup. Erling Haaland has a totally distinct set of people to work with. As a result, even Guardiola, who presumably has the master blueprint for how to play football, is considering a change. Pep Guardiola is developing extremely well, in my opinion.

I really think Alex Ferguson deserves all of the accolades he receives because he was there long enough to get the United environment to look for itself.

Man United have already defeated Manchester City in the Premier League this season, thanks to Erik Ten Hag. However, Pep Guardiola’s team has showed significant progress in the tournament’s latter stages. Do you see any weaknesses in this Manchester City team that Manchester United may exploit?

Given the manner in which the winning goal was scored, I believe the outcome was contentious for many people. The score in Etihaad was 6-3, with two hat-tricks for Haaland and Phil Foden. That’s more of the Manchester City we’re used to seeing. Man City, on the other hand, has a lot of possession and leaves a lot of space in behind. Man City’s greatest fear has to be the counter-attack. They must be cautious. It depends on whether he follows Pep’s customary press strategy or plays a possession game as he did against Arsenal with a back 4 and a forward 6. Allowing the primary players

So, counter-attack with significant possession for Man City, that’s pretty much what the game will be like.