Oh, to be able to put the boots on one more time. The first final in Manchester for a trophy is going to be an incredible event and I can’t say there isn’t a tiny bit of envy of the lads who will be involved on June 3rd.
My thoughts went back to April 16, 2011, and the semi-final between City and United after Victor Lindelof converted his side’s crucial penalty against Brighton.
That was the day Manchester turned blue thanks to Yaya Toure’s goal.
I had scored the winner in the quarter-final against Reading, but due to a hamstring injury, Roberto Mancini didn’t take any chances with me against United and gave my place to Pablo Zabaleta. I’ve never been so frustrated watching a game in my life.
In six weeks, emotions will be no less fraught. City’s Treble bid has suddenly taken a new turn, but 12 years ago was different and we were determined to prove we were an emerging force.
This time United don’t want to think about being beaten as they are protecting their own history. It will be epic.
Manchester City, who are in good shape, will take on their rivals Manchester United in the FA Cup final in June
The Red Devils will not want to think about defeat to protect the legacy of their 1999 treble
My thoughts went back to 2011, where I scored in the quarter-final against Reading, but missed the semi-final against Manchester United with an injury. (Pictured next to David Silva, left)
Newcastle need FOUR signings
Eddie Howe won’t say, but Newcastle are going to the Champions League.
There will be several questions asked of his squad next season and to meet the demands I think he will need four very good players to keep them competitive.
If you are not used to playing during the week and then kick-off on Saturday at 12.30 p.m., the impact is often huge.
They could use another left-back to challenge Matt Targett, but their centre-backs are good quality and I’m a big fan of Dan Burn. It wouldn’t hurt them to strengthen their midfield and I’d say another winger is an option, with some questions about Allan Saint-Maximin’s future.
Most importantly, though, is bringing in characters who will enhance what Howe has, not just buy it for the sake of it.
Newcastle are in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League after beating Tottenham
They need four signings this summer, including a left back to challenge Matt Targett
The lads, who have brought Newcastle to the cusp of this outstanding performance, absolutely deserve to be there for the next chapter.
All they need is a helping hand and the progress that has blown everyone away can continue.
Bewildered by Salah
It was always Mo Salah’s dream to become a Liverpool legend. I played with him at Fiorentina and when we went for coffee he talked about his ambition to eventually move to Anfield.
I knew when Liverpool signed him in 2017 they had a superstar in the making, but even I was amazed at the number of goals he has scored.
He needs four more to beat Steven Gerrard (186) and get into the all-time top five. Don’t bet he does before the end of the season.
Mohamed Salah needs just four more goals to move into Liverpool’s all-time top five
Hope for Moye’s success
I’ve always had a huge amount of respect for David Moyes and after West Ham’s 4-0 hammering at Bournemouth there’s little chance of them being relegated. I never believed that was a possibility anyway.
He is an excellent manager and I would like to see him win the Europa Conference League.
Time to move the semifinals
Much has been made of the number of empty seats at Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Sheffield United, almost as if it were a sign that some City fans have become complacent about success.
Don’t listen to such nonsense. If people want full houses for the final four then hosting them on neutral ground should really be considered. Elland Road would have been logistically perfect for those two sets of fans.
There were empty seats at Wembley in Man City’s FA Cup semi-final with Sheffield United
Only a matter of time for Ange
It was interesting to see Ange link Postecoglou to the job at Chelsea.
I spoke to Joe Hart shortly after he joined Celtic in August 2021 and he was enthusiastic about his new manager, especially his character and outlook on life.
He plays football bravely and Joe said nothing upsets him. It’s only a matter of time before a club here turns on him.