TREBLE AHEAD
ued: “They have a great manager and that’s first and foremost in any great footballing side.
“They have great players who can make all the difference in the final third. You saw what they’ve done in the Champions League against Leipzig, Madrid and Bayern Munich.
“They’re well capable of beating anyone by two, three or four goals. And that’s why they’re such a good team.”
Still, Irwin believes Manchester United can stop them in their tracks. “We’ve seen plenty of big games and cup finals go to the underdog,” said the former Ireland full-back.
“In my day we saw Sunderland in (centre, left) ‘73, Wigan a few years ago and, in the league this year, Everton beating Arsenal when Everton were at rock bottom and Arsenal were flying.
“I’m not saying it’s that desperate, but I think both the FA Cup and Champions League will be more difficult games than what people think.
Mood
“The mood around United compared to last year is an awful lot better. The new manager has come in and done extremely well.
“We already have a trophy under our belts and qualifying for the Champions League was a big thing as there was no guarantee of that.
“We finished the season really well, and the lads are really looking forward to the Cup final. I know Erik ten Hag has said he wants to do it for his legacy.
“And from a selfish point of view I hope he does do it for his legacy. When he came in, he instilled a bit of discipline and there’s a pattern of play there now too.
“Casemiro and (Lisandro) Martinez are both leaders and United lacked that over the last couple of years.
“Not only that but he has made the likes of Marcus (Rashford), and Luke Shaw, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka better players.
“We’ve seen a big step forward and there’s more light at the end of the tunnel.
“There’s still a big gap between City and United and it’s all about closing that gap, as fast as possible.”
This afternoon, Irwin will take his seat at Wembley Stadium hoping that United show some of the steel that his own Red Devils team had in spades.
Especially if it stops City in their pursuit of treble glory.
“That’s the selfish point of view,” he laughs. “But it’s just the way it is.”
You can watch all UEFA Champions n League games, including the final, free-to-air in Ireland via the LiveScore app
CARLOS TEVEZ won two Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at Manchester United before a hugely controversial move to rivals Manchester City.
The Argentine went on to become a league, FA Cup and League Cup winner while on the blue side of the city.
Here, he gives us his rundown on the big match-ups at Wembley today.
THE way Haaland has been playing this season makes it look like an impossible mission for any defender.
But not only is Varane a very good defender, he knows how to win finals.
Real Madrid were not favourites in all the Champions League wins he had there but they know how to win finals.
It is now up to him to make all that experience count.
GUNDOGAN has probably just had his best season for Manchester City — as a midfield player he is complete.
Casemiro has completely changed things for
Manchester United.
He has given them more heart in midfield and a real desire to win.
We all know about the quality of City’s midfield and United will be looking for him to be a real machine for the duration.
GREALISH has shown this season why City paid Aston Villa so much for him.
He is so good with the ball at his feet and he plays in a way which draws fouls.
You can’t let him do that because City have so many players deadly at set-pieces.
Wan-Bissaka must stay close to him but not be drawn into fouling in an area where City are so dangerous.
STONES has become a more intelligent player under Pep Guardiola. He was always a very good defender but now, like all great defenders, he is playing with such intelligence.
Rashford has been in great form and with his pace he will always try to draw you in so he can make that run when a ball is played through.
Both have had their best season and it will be interesting.