Man Utd dealt another FA Cup final injury blow as Antony losing race to be fit

Erik ten Hag admits Antony appears to be losing his battle to be fit for tomorrow’s FA Cup final. The Man Utd winger had hoped to recover from an ankle injury sustained in the 4-1 win over Chelsea eight days ago.

But the United boss issued a gloomy prognosis 48 hours out from the showpiece against Premier League champions Man City. “It is unlikely that he is available. He still has a chance but a really small chance as he didn’t make progress,” said Ten Hag.

Antony’s likely absence is a second hit to Ten Hag’s forward line with Anthony Martial missing Wembley with a hamstring tear sustained in the final game of the season against Fulham.

But Ten Hag insists United still have enough front line options to hurt City this afternoon. “I am always asked about the absence of players, but it is about the the players who are available and many times we were successful.

“We have a good squad and from the good squad we make a good team. We deserve that opportunity to be in a cup final and meet Manchester City, it is a great opportunity and we fought so hard for it.”

Asked whether it was one of the biggest games of Ten Hag’s career, the United manager said: “It is definitely a big game but I don’t want to make an assessment on what is the biggest. 

“It is a great opponent and we are looking forward to the test. Every game you have to win. Football is about winning and results, every game you have to win.”

Utd will be going all out to spoil Man City’s treble bid as Pep Guardiola’s side look to replicate the remarkable achievement of Sir Alex Ferguson’s outfit from the 1998-99 season.

If City were to do the job at Wembley on Saturday evening, all that stands in the way of City completing the treble is Inter Milan in the Champions League final next weekend in Turkey. A huge week is ahead for both Manchester clubs.