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Manchester United shocked the footballing world last Saturday by winning the FA Cup for a 13th time in the club’s illustrious history.
The Red Devils were heavily unfancied against their all-conquering rivals, Manchester City. United had flattered to deceive all season and ended the campaign in an embarrassing eighth place.
However, the players and coach summoned an energy that they could not find in many previous games and thoroughly deserved their 2-1 win victory over Pep Guardiola’s side.
The Emirates FA Cup Fans’ Team of the Season has been now announced with three United players included in final eleven.
Introducing your 2023-24 #EmiratesFACup Fans’ Team of the Season! 🏆
As voted for by you, the fans 🗳️ pic.twitter.com/K8ceNXVDcj
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 31, 2024
Andre Onana is interestingly included in the lineup after having a mixed debut campaign and that also extended to the FA Cup.
The Cameroonian played in every round except the fourth round win over Newport County, keeping a clean sheet against both Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest.
He did concede seven goals in the final three rounds against Liverpool, Coventry City and Manchester City. However, apart from Jeremy Doku’s goal in the final, he could hardly be blamed for any of the goals. In fact against Liverpool and City he played a vital role, making numerous stops as Jurgen Klopp’s men had 11 shots on target in their quarter final loss.
Diogo Dalot is a less controversial inclusion at right back, as he has enjoyed probably the best season of his career. The 25 year old has been a mainstay in the defence and has transformed himself into one of the leaders and most vital cogs of the side.
It is quite the turnaround when it is considered that he wasn’t even first choice at the start of the season. He played in all six rounds, scoring against Wigan in the third round and creating two goals, one in the semi-final against Coventry.
The Portugal international played 50 games in all competitions this season and will hope to carry his fine form into the Euros for his nation.
The third and final United player in the lineup is that of the departing Raphael Varane.
The Frenchman had his injury problems this season, like every United centre back but was a crucial member of the FA Cup run. He played in five of the six games, only missing the semi-final win over Coventry with a muscle injury.
He played 90 minutes against Wigan, Newport County, Nottingham Forest and City. He also played 85 minutes of the pulsating victory over Liverpool.
Varane did leave his best performance for last though as he put on a defensive clinic alongside Lisandro Martinez to keep Erling Haaland and City’s other pack of fearsome attackers at bay.
Some of United’s more advanced players, such as Bruno Fernandes, Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, might be wondering why they were overlooked by the fans in the selection, having all played a major part in bringing home the trophy.
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