Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola's and Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag's programme notes ahead of the FA Cup final have been revealed.
Both managers have overseen good seasons with their respective clubs. Guardiola has already clinched the Premier League and, should they win today, will be a step closer to completing the historic treble.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag has led a brilliant recovery at Old Trafford as the Reds won their first trophy since 2017 earlier this year when they beat Newcastle in the Carabao Cup final. United also returned to the Champions League thanks to a third place finish and they now have the chance to create history themselves under the arch by winning a domestic cup double.
ALSO READ: Ten Hag and Guardiola's two years at Bayern Munich
Ahead of the match, Guardiola began by praising the FA Cup in the programme notes. "This competition is so special," he said.
"It’s the most historic domestic cup competition in the world. When we won this trophy in 2019, I can honestly say it was one of my favourite moments as City manager.
"We want to win it again and I can promise you we will do everything we can to try and make that happen. We are playing a top team today; we know this and we are ready. Manchester United know how to win and we will have to fight for absolutely everything today.
"However, I trust my players and I can see it in their eyes: They want to win this trophy. To be here as Premier League champions is amazing for us. To win the title five times in six years is something very special.
"We try to be consistent and work hard every day, but I never imagined we could win five in six, especially in this country where the standard is so high. Every single week it is so tough and so demanding.
"The consistency my players have shown is extraordinary, and I’m incredibly proud of all of them. I am the luckiest manager in the world.
"And next week we have a Champions League final to look forward to. To be playing Inter in Istanbul in the final of Europe’s most beautiful competition is going to be amazing for this football club."
Giving his thoughts before the cup final, Ten Hag made it clear there is one objective in his team's mind. "Our aim today is the same as always: Win the game," he explained.
"You do not fight through round after round to reach cup finals just so you can enjoy a nice day out; once you reach one then you have to give every single bit of your energy to make sure you leave Wembley with the trophy.
"This is a fantastic opportunity for this group of players and staff to win our second piece of silverware and create a new moment of history for this great football club. If we stick to our gameplan, follow our own rules and draw extra strength from our amazing supporters, then I have every confidence that we can achieve our aim today and take another big step forward in our journey together.
"The strong bond that has developed between this team and our fans is one of the most pleasing things about the season, and this connection will be more important than ever at Wembley as we contest the FA Cup final with Pep Guardiola and Manchester City. We know that we will have to be at our very best against an excellent opponent.
"We have already shown that we are capable of this, because our Premier League win over City in January was one of our best performances so far this season. So, we know what is required, we know the standards we have to reach.
"I can say with certainty that Pep will not be expecting an easy fixture this afternoon because we have shown repeatedly that we have the ability to cause problems for every team."
A Manchester Evening News special souvenir edition - Fergie's First - charts United's 1992/93 title-winning campaign and you can get your hands on one here
READ NEXT:
