muckypups

The Mirror speculates; Van der Sar no longer first choice?

BEN'S A NO.1 HIT

EDWIN VAN DER SAR will lose his status as Manchester United's first-choice goalkeeper following his blunder which handed the FA Cup to Chelsea.

England keeper Ben Foster is set to replace Van der Sar as United's No.1 next season after Sir Alex Ferguson's patience with the erratic Dutchman finally snapped at Wembley.

It is understood United's players blamed Van der Sar for hesitating in coming off his line to challenge Didier Drogba for the extra-time goal which gave Chelsea victory.

Fergie has had misgivings about Van der Sar in recent weeks, following a series of blunders which threatened to undermine United's Premiership challenge and cast doubt on the veteran keeper's reliability.

And with Foster returning to Old Trafford, following a successful loan spell with Watford which culminated in him earning an England cap, Van der Sar's position is under serious threat for the first time in two seasons.

United's England players have raved about Foster to Fergie and he is ready to give him the chance to replace Van der Sar ahead of Tomasz Kuszczak, who will go out on loan next season - probably to Roy Keane's Sunderland.

Fergie began to have doubts about Van der Sar last month, when the 36-year-old keeper made high-profile errors against Roma and Portsmouth which saw United defeated in both matches.

Although defeat at Pompey did not cost United the title and they recovered to beat Roma in the return leg of their Champions League quarter-final, those gaffes marked the beginning of the end for the former Fulham man.

Sources at United have claimed Van der Sar has not been the same since breaking his nose in a clash with Tottenham's Robbie Keane back in February, which ruled him out of action for three weeks.

When he did eventually return, those within the United camp felt Van der Sar did not have the same commanding edge as before and was more vulnerable as a result of the injury.

The Dutchman was also shaky in United's FA Cup semi-final win over Watford, and his latest mistake at Wembley has convinced Fergie it is time Foster was given his chance at United.

Since Peter Schmeichel retired following United's Treble triumph of 1999, Fergie has struggled to replace him. A number of keepers have come and gone, including Fabien Barthez, but none has been able to fill the void left by great Dane Schmeichel.

More on the Hargreaves signing from The Independent:

Hargreaves becomes first part of Ferguson's plans to improve United squad

Manchester United what next? His players were still contemplating whether to keep their FA Cup final losers' medals, bin them, or put them on eBay, when Sir Alex Ferguson yesterday took the first step towards strengthening a Manchester United team which was within a whisker of the Double on Saturday.

Bayern Munich confirmed they have agreed to sell Owen Hargreaves to United for £17m, a Bundesliga record. Franz Beckenbauer, the club president, said: "Owen is leaving. That was the player's wish. It's a good match and it's also a good deal financially."

The England midfielder, who was born in Canada but whose father hails from Bolton, is expected to be the first of three major summer signings for United. The 26-year-old has been at Bayern for 10 years, winning the Champions League in 2001. He made only 14 appearances this season because of injury.

United have pursued Hargreaves since the World Cup but Bayern resisted his departure until the German League season closed on Saturday. Bayern came fourth, out of the Champions League places, and Hargreaves' departure marks the start of a re-building which the chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said would be "brutal and ruthless". Chelsea's Arjen Robben has been linked with the club, the World Cup strikers Luca Toni and Miroslav Klose are already poised to sign.

Ferguson has no need of such root-and-branch reform but Ryan Giggs anticipated Hargreaves' arrival when he said, on Saturday night: "The manager will look to improve us. He always does. I think the squad is healthy but I'm sure there'll be a few signings. We'll be trying to kick on next season."

Michael Carrick, who will have to accommodate the arrival of the player who usually keeps him out of the England team, added: "We want the best players and Owen is a top player. We need a big squad when we are fighting on all fronts, that's been proved this season."

Hargreaves' acquisition is designed to fill a void left when Roy Keane departed. He is not a Keane clone, he lacks the furious drive of the Irishman, but Hargreaves adds ballast to a midfield whose defensive weakness was exposed by Milan in the Champions League.

He has prodigious energy, a greater tactical awareness than many players brought through the English system, and is a dead- ball specialist. His versatility is also an asset. Had United got him in August, he would, in the wake of Gary Neville's injury, have spent much of this season at right-back. He will join a United team which, while still buoyant from winning the league, was stung by defeat on Saturday. Carrick summed up the prevailing mood when he focused on United's success. "We can shake off the disappointment and look forward with confidence," he said. "We've won the league, we've proved we were the best team over a long period of time, and we were the better team today. We know how good we are. We're looking forward to progressing again next season.

"Cups are a one-off. The league doesn't lie. We won the league. It is a tremendous achievement and we are only going to get stronger. When you look at what we've achieved, including getting to the Champions League semi-final, it's been a good season."

"The players have achieved a lot this year," Ferguson concluded. "We set out to win the Premiership, that was our target, and they have done exceptionally well. It's important to remember that. We have to re-group now. Assess the situation. We want to be better. We needed a stronger squad in that period when we were going for the three challenges of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

"We want people who are prepared to accept that we want to be better, and who want to be better. That will be my job this summer."

Hargreaves, a single-minded individual with the character one would expect of someone who crossed the Atlantic at 16 to live in a country whose language he did not understand, fits the bill.

This is the link for another episode of Tony Evans' Champions League preview scousemouse.. it's more of a travelogue today, not bad all the same..

Tony Evans Champs League Final Blog

Wrapped this up nice and quickly..:

Bayern confirm sale of Hargreaves

Bayern Munich have agreed to sell Owen Hargreaves to Manchester United.

Club president Franz Beckenbauer told German TV: "Owen is leaving. That was the player's wish. It's a good match and it's also a good deal financially."

Beckenbauer said the transfer fee was "around" £17m - which would be a record for a Bundesliga player.

Hargreaves, 26, has been at Bayern for 10 years but after starring for England at the World Cup last year, he admitted he wanted to play in the Premiership.

United quickly moved to open negotiations with Bayern and made offers in the summer transfer window and in January but the German club refused to sell - until now.

Hargreaves, who played only nine league games for Bayern this season because of injury, is expected to sign a four-year deal with the newly-crowned Premiership champions.

His career in Germany ended in disappointment when Bayern finished fourth in the Bundesliga, thereby missing out on Champions League qualification.

Writing in his column for the BBC Sport website, Hargreaves admitted the club "can never afford not to qualify for the Champions League".

His transfer is therefore likely to be the first stage of an overhaul at the club, with chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge promising to carry out "brutal and ruthless" changes to the team.

Rummenigge said he was disappointed to be losing the energetic midfielder.

He told the club's website: "A player like Owen Hargreaves would have looked good in our team next year.

"In the defensive midfield position Owen is one of the best in the world - it's a big sporting loss for us."

Sunday's newspaper reports suggested Bayern could use the funds from Hargreaves' sale to buy Chelsea winger Arjen Robben.

Quick round-up of Sunday's news from the BBC:

Manchester United are trailing Heerenveen's Brazilian striker Alfonso Alves who has scored 34 goals in 31 games this season. (Sunday Mirror)

Chelsea have targeted Everton defender Joleon Lescott but will have to find £10m to get their man. (The People)

Milan are planning a £28m swoop for Chelsea striker Didier Drogba. (News of the World)

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez wants to splash £20m on striker Carlos Tevez. (Sunday Express)

Spurs are preparing a bid for Manchester United striker Louis Saha. (The People)

Martin Jol hopes to bring in Morten Gamst Pedersen, Leighton Baines, Darren Bent and Nigel Reo-Coker as he tries to get Spurs into next season's top four. (Sunday Mirror)

And that means Jermain Defoe, Mido and Hossam Ghaly will be shipped out of White Hart Lane. (Sunday Mirror)

Roy Keane wants to make Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen his first signing after leading Sunderland back to the Premiership. (Daily Star Sunday)

Birmingham boss Steve Bruce will snap up another of Arsenal's young stars when he moves for centre back Johan Djourou. Bruce has already signed Sebastian Larsson and Fabrice Muamba from Arsenal. (Sunday Mirror)

Alan Curbishley will axe 12 of his West Ham squad in a £40m summer shake-up. Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon Harewood and Bobby Zamora will lead the exodus. (Various)

Charlton will win the race to sign Crewe striker Luke Varney and that will signal the exit of England star Darren Bent. (The People)

Djibril Cisse has told Liverpool to slash their transfer demands so he can finally leave the club. (Sunday Mirror)

Thanks scousemouse..seems that this guy is filing a story every day from Athens in the build up so I'll post those as well.. Good writing I think, very funny.. but then, you scousers are quite good at that I suppose..

Indeed, both defences did play very well. I understand football well enough to know the difference between a kick and run 10-9 and a game that was played in the manner of "don't take any risks". I had foolishly hoped that the both teams would enter the match with an adventurous spirit: they didn't. As Mourinho said to his players before the game.. "do you want to be happy during the match.. or after?" I take that to mean don't worry about the spectacle, the results the thing. Fair enough, Congratulations to Chelsea, FA Cup winners. That I'm of the opinion both teams served up a gruelling 120 minutes is a perfectly valid point of view.

Good point HH..and as for knock-out games.. Well, we only have to look at the Championship play-off's for blood and guts football.. I hate it when your worse fears are realised.. (almost like the World Cup for England last year..).. Oh well, there's always next year..and hopefully two teams with a less lofty opinion of themselves..(and I'm a United supporter..!)

HH, I'm disgusted.. I thought United, having secured the trophy they craved the most this season, would have gone out and played adventurous football.. I was wrong. Well done to Chelsea, the least they deserved after a mighty season, but,.. we had nothing to lose by playing football, and we didn't..uugh, such a depressing game.

On the Lampard issue.. I'm not sure, I haven't read about that.. however, ostentatious badge kissing, lifelong pledges and "my heart bleeds for this club" comments are stock in trade these days I guess.. You'll be hard pushed to find a truly loyal player in the top clubs..their agents won't let them..

More importantly however.... congrats to you and your band of merry men Seapok.. see you at Wembley in August...

I'm trying to recall a less inspiring game of football.. I can't. (although, I suppose England have chucked a few of those in over the years..)

I copied from our forum.. Well done Chelsea..

Well, I've just finished watching the "match" with my son; he remains to be convinced that football is a beautiful game.

Congratulations Chelsea..

A dreadful match that was 30 mins longer than any neutral should have to endure. Very sad.. Thank god we are the Premiership Champions..The most depressing thing; I almost didn't care when Chelsea scored..Let's hope the Charity shield offers more hope.. but I won't hold my breath..

Well, I've just finished watching the "match" with my son; he remains to be convinced that football is a beautiful game. Congratulations Chelsea..

A dreadful match that was 30 mins longer than any neutral should have to endure. Very sad.. Thank god we are the Premiership Champions..The most depressing thing; I almost didn't care when Chelsea scored..Let's hope the Charity shield offers more hope.. but I won't hold my breath..

May the best team win.

For some strange reason I think I would prefer a great match and, perhaps, a noble defeat..than a dreary 1-0 victory.. Of course, I won't think that as soon as the match kicks-off.. (by the way, you're right.. I'm spending way too much time tinkering with the footie forum when I have a job to deliver by the 4th June!.. oh well. tomorrow looks good... )

You'll not be the only one Soihok.. but we're used to that. Enjoy the match come what may..

"Sun Comes Up.." The Cowboy Junkies

Good luck and enjoy your holiday..

Enjoyable read this..:

Can we have our flag back?

Tony Evans, deputy football editor of The Times, child of the Kop and author of Far Foreign Land - Pride and Passion the Liverpool Way, sets the Scouse agenda in the countdown to the Champions League final. His daily examination of Liverpool's challenge for their sixth European Cup will be online each day by noon

When Chelsea’s season ends after their Champions League third place decider against Manchester United on Saturday, I wonder will Jose and the boys get behind Liverpool in Athens. Can’t see it. I think we’ve got under their skin.

After the Fulham game earlier this month, a small group of Liverpool fans went to Stamford Bridge, taking with them an ‘Athens - The Final 2007’ banner. They took a few photographs and had a rather satisfying gloat.

Then they saw a coach. Chelsea were training on the pitch before their game against Arsenal the next day. As the team bus drove past, the lads waved their banner and serenaded Mourinho’s squad as they left the stadium.

Except they didn’t. The coach stopped. What happened next is a matter of dispute. The Liverpool fans say one of the Portuguese contingent jumped off and after an exchange of words, grabbed the banner, won the tug-of-war, and scampered back on the bus. A player hurled abuse and a senior member of the coaching staff told the Scousers if they wanted the banner, they’d have to get on the team bus and take it back, an invitation they didn’t take up.

Chelsea, on the other hand, say: “The coaching staff thought the banner had become caught under the wheels of the bus and so they stopped. People had to get off the bus and try and untangle it. They took it with them on the coach because it was an official Uefa banner which they believed had possibly been stolen from Stamford Bridge.”

One of the young lads involved asked the question, obviously bewildered: “Why had they stopped? How had eight scallies annoyed them that much?”

Wasn’t just the eight of you, mate. Eleven men in red backed by 40,000 and more voices at Anfield had a little to do with it.

I hope they like the flag. That’s the only souvenir of Athens Chelsea will get. We’ll settle for the big cup.

The numbers don't add up

It's hard to make a Scouser miserable for long. There's a genetic Prozac at work somewhere in Liverpudlian genes that makes people laugh and want to be optimistic. So let's get the grumbling out of the way early.

The two days in which Liverpool beat Chelsea on penalties and AC Milan destroyed Manchester United at the San Siro were as near to heaven as a Kopite can get. The world was perfect.

Then came the ballot for tickets and, this time last week, the city was at its angriest since 1919 - when they had to send gunboats to the Mersey to calm things down.

The cause of the anger was not the paucity of tickets — everyone knew Uefa’s 17,000 allocation was not enough — but the way the club handled the distribution. Most supporters who qualified for the ballot expected there to be about a one in three chance of getting a precious ticket. After the draw, the numbers appeared to be about one in six or even seven.

The obvious way for the club to allay the fears of its most committed fans would be to explain the way the allocation has been divided. However, the comment “we won’t get drawn into the numbers game” only further enraged the hard-core support. Sunday, when the boys should have been turning up with their newly-made flags praising Robbie Fowler, the banners bore angry words of protest and hundreds marched from the Sandon pub - the birthplace of the club - to the main entrance of Anfield to express their disgust.

Why won’t the club play the numbers game? Because they add up to the most fervent supporters being shafted. That’s the conclusion most people have reached. It won’t stop us going to Athens but the handling of the whole event has driven a wedge between Rick Parry, the chief executive, and the fans. Parry, and the club, may well come to regret that.

Have no ticket, will travel

And no, the ballot never brought me the ticket of my dreams. Like the majority of Liverpool fans arriving in Athens next week, I’m not assured entry to the stadium. Most people assume that, in the position I’m in, it’s easy to pick up tickets. It’s not true. The Times will have five writers in the press box, each with a job to do. All can do that job better than me and the last thing they need is a half-crazed lunatic in the vicinity kicking every ball. A great level of professionalism is needed to produce papers under circumstances like a Champions League final and I won’t have it in Athens, any more than I did in Istanbul.

As for corporate hospitality, I’m still waiting for the offers to roll in.

Anyway, aside from Rome in 1977, when I was forced to stay at home and take exams that had no impact on my later life, the only time I’ve had a ticket was in 1984. At Wembley in 1978 a Bruges supporter supplied one an hour before kick-off; in Paris in 1981 a friendly Real Madrid supporters sold me a spare; going to Brussels in 1985 me and my brother had one between us; and in Istanbul a mate turned up with a spare the day of the game. So far, so good. On to Athens, then. Optimistic and happy.

Correct scousemouse.. he does seem to have the edge over Fergie, and with Chelsea winning the last final at the old Wembley it would be just typical that they win the first one at the new Wembley too.. Still.. I hope it's a great game.. (have to go some to beat last years though)

That'll keep him BUSY

"Perfect Day" Lou Reed

CHELSEA

PETR CECH 9 out of 10

It takes something special to get past him though he did have a flappy game against Bolton when Chelsea were held 2-2. One on one he is brilliant, the safest pair of hands in the League.

PAULO FERREIRA 7

Comfortable on the ball but you can get at him and United will probably set Ronaldo or Giggs to isolate and run at him. Sometimes casual in possession and not in the best of form.

JOHN TERRY 9

We have seen him sharper and in better form but he will be inspired for this game. He is Chelsea's leader and figurehead. Look out for him in United's box at set-plays, too.

MICHAEL ESSIEN 7

Would get 9 as a central midfielder but can be found wanting as a centre back with his positional play and movement of the strikers. A team player and a ferocious competitor.

WAYNE BRIDGE 8

When he has played he has performed better than the disappointing Ashley Cole this season. He is not as dynamic as Cole in full flight but is a steady full back with an excellent left foot.

CLAUDE MAKELELE 7

Not had his strongest season and looks to be running out of steam but has tremendous experience of the big occasion. Crucial for Chelsea that he copes with United's quick passing in and around him.

MIKEL JOHN OBI 8

Has grown in stature to show why he is the long-term replacement for Makelele. Safe in possession and has a great motor. Good discipline positionally, but he can be rattled.

FRANK LAMPARD 8

Another brilliant goals return, but not as strong as he was last season. Hasn't dominated the big games as he did a year ago, but needs a strong showing if Chelsea are to win the Final.

JOE COLE 8

When he doesn't play, Chelsea lack a bit of imagination. This is a big game for him, having missed much of the season, and he will run at United in key areas, looking to draw tackles.

DIDIER DROGBA 10

Has played this season with strength and power, dominated defenders, led the line and scored goals. He is Chelsea's biggest threat and United must keep him quiet, which few teams have managed.

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 7

How is his confidence? Jose doesn't seem to fancy him. He can be direct and will run at Evra. Needs to concentrate on his final ball. Inclusion means Cole will play as support striker to Drogba.

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDWIN VAN DER SAR 8

Wembley used to be a goalkeeper's graveyard and Van der Sar has had a rocky spell recently. I wonder if there are communication problems with his central defenders.

JOHN O'SHEA 7

United will miss Neville but O'Shea will not let them down. His power and height are very useful at set-pieces at both ends.

NEMANJA VIDIC 8

Question marks about his fitness as he has only played once since the mess in Milan. He is brave and strong, though, powerful in attack, and has forged a strong partnership with Ferdinand.

RIO FERDINAND 9

Excellent season and in great form. In for a busy afternoon as Drogba will test him in the air and challenge physically so he needs to make sure he doesn't have those moments when he switches off.

PATRICE EVRA 7

This is a vulnerable area for United which Chelsea will look to attack. Should play ahead of Heinze but neither are outstanding. He likes to get forward but can leave the back door open.

MICHAEL CARRICK 8

Has shown his quality, but I am not quite convinced about him as the holding midfielder and Lampard will look to break behind him. Superb passing and always available to take the ball.

PAUL SCHOLES 9

Just brilliant. What a difference he has made to the United midfield and Chelsea will see him as the real danger. A match-winner with his clever passing, running and shooting from distance.

RYAN GIGGS 8

Versatile and adaptable, capable of playing up front with Rooney, wide or in central midfield. His movement is better than ever and his energy and pace show no sign of falling off.

CRISTIANO RONALDO 10

Most shots of any Premiership player, he has scored goals, won games and taken a clean sweep in the individual awards. The first Cup Final at the new Wembley needs a hero, and it could be him.

WAYNE ROONEY 8

Looked jaded in certain games this season but is still a match-winner. It is difficult to see how Chelsea can fully prepare to stop him when he can play left, right, off the front or as a spearhead.

ALAN SMITH 7

Honest, hard-working team player who has made a remarkable recovery from a terrible injury. Might play as the spearhead, and mix it with Terry in order to release Rooney into deeper areas.

TOTAL SCORES: CHELSEA 88 UNITED 89

CHELSEA

PETR CECH 9 out of 10

It takes something special to get past him though he did have a flappy game against Bolton when Chelsea were held 2-2. One on one he is brilliant, the safest pair of hands in the League.

PAULO FERREIRA 7

Comfortable on the ball but you can get at him and United will probably set Ronaldo or Giggs to isolate and run at him. Sometimes casual in possession and not in the best of form.

JOHN TERRY 9

We have seen him sharper and in better form but he will be inspired for this game. He is Chelsea's leader and figurehead. Look out for him in United's box at set-plays, too.

MICHAEL ESSIEN 7

Would get 9 as a central midfielder but can be found wanting as a centre back with his positional play and movement of the strikers. A team player and a ferocious competitor.

WAYNE BRIDGE 8

When he has played he has performed better than the disappointing Ashley Cole this season. He is not as dynamic as Cole in full flight but is a steady full back with an excellent left foot.

CLAUDE MAKELELE 7

Not had his strongest season and looks to be running out of steam but has tremendous experience of the big occasion. Crucial for Chelsea that he copes with United's quick passing in and around him.

MIKEL JOHN OBI 8

Has grown in stature to show why he is the long-term replacement for Makelele. Safe in possession and has a great motor. Good discipline positionally, but he can be rattled.

FRANK LAMPARD 8

Another brilliant goals return, but not as strong as he was last season. Hasn't dominated the big games as he did a year ago, but needs a strong showing if Chelsea are to win the Final.

JOE COLE 8

When he doesn't play, Chelsea lack a bit of imagination. This is a big game for him, having missed much of the season, and he will run at United in key areas, looking to draw tackles.

DIDIER DROGBA 10

Has played this season with strength and power, dominated defenders, led the line and scored goals. He is Chelsea's biggest threat and United must keep him quiet, which few teams have managed.

SHAUN WRIGHT-PHILLIPS 7

How is his confidence? Jose doesn't seem to fancy him. He can be direct and will run at Evra. Needs to concentrate on his final ball. Inclusion means Cole will play as support striker to Drogba.

MANCHESTER UNITED

EDWIN VAN DER SAR 8

Wembley used to be a goalkeeper's graveyard and Van der Sar has had a rocky spell recently. I wonder if there are communication problems with his central defenders.

JOHN O'SHEA 7

United will miss Neville but O'Shea will not let them down. His power and height are very useful at set-pieces at both ends.

NEMANJA VIDIC 8

Question marks about his fitness as he has only played once since the mess in Milan. He is brave and strong, though, powerful in attack, and has forged a strong partnership with Ferdinand.

RIO FERDINAND 9

Excellent season and in great form. In for a busy afternoon as Drogba will test him in the air and challenge physically so he needs to make sure he doesn't have those moments when he switches off.

PATRICE EVRA 7

This is a vulnerable area for United which Chelsea will look to attack. Should play ahead of Heinze but neither are outstanding. He likes to get forward but can leave the back door open.

MICHAEL CARRICK 8

Has shown his quality, but I am not quite convinced about him as the holding midfielder and Lampard will look to break behind him. Superb passing and always available to take the ball.

PAUL SCHOLES 9

Just brilliant. What a difference he has made to the United midfield and Chelsea will see him as the real danger. A match-winner with his clever passing, running and shooting from distance.

RYAN GIGGS 8

Versatile and adaptable, capable of playing up front with Rooney, wide or in central midfield. His movement is better than ever and his energy and pace show no sign of falling off.

CRISTIANO RONALDO 10

Most shots of any Premiership player, he has scored goals, won games and taken a clean sweep in the individual awards. The first Cup Final at the new Wembley needs a hero, and it could be him.

WAYNE ROONEY 8

Looked jaded in certain games this season but is still a match-winner. It is difficult to see how Chelsea can fully prepare to stop him when he can play left, right, off the front or as a spearhead.

ALAN SMITH 7

Honest, hard-working team player who has made a remarkable recovery from a terrible injury. Might play as the spearhead, and mix it with Terry in order to release Rooney into deeper areas.

TOTAL SCORES: CHELSEA 88 UNITED 89

Cup Final Day.. excellent..

FA Cup final: Mourinho adds intrigue on day that mixes best of old and new

Today, in its new home, the FA Cup final embodies English football once again: like an old masterpiece hung among the crisp, clear lines of a 21st century exhibition hall. Tradition, ritual and an ornate Edwardian silver pot competed for by a modern international cast of multi-millionaires wearing coloured boots in a stadium raised from the ruins of the past. In one afternoon, the essence of our English game: the familiar old ceremonies presented in a radical new context.

In this age of hype, of exorbitant player salaries and of secretive billionaire foreign owners, there is surely something in this afternoon to stir the imagination of even the most cynical, Premiership-fatigued English citizen. How much does the FA Cup mean? We are about to find out, as the old trophy reinvents itself in a new century where FA Cup third-round day sits in the shadow of even the dull group games of the Champions League. A significant part of the future of the competition, perhaps even of the new Wembley, rests on the success of today. On who stars, and who fails, and what we leave Wembley remembering the most.

No doubt there will be plenty of the past: May sunshine, managers in shirt sleeves, "Abide With Me", shin-pads tossed to the touchline; and then the new as well. A tunnel under the Royal Box instead of that long walk from one corner to the middle of the pitch and, at the end of the day, 107 steps to greatness instead of 39. The first Wembley final in seven years is the hottest ticket in town and it has been unintentionally timed to take an auspicious place within the narrative of a very modern English football drama.

On the one hand, Jose Mourinho, a manager who, for all the protestations and club statements, still remains vulnerable to the moods of his inscrutable Russian boss. Make no mistake, today's result will impact considerably on whether Mourinho is at Stamford Bridge next season. Presumably, Roman Abramovich will settle into his Wembley seat and take silent stock of this very English occasion. Does losing an FA Cup final constitute a sackable offence? Is winning one enough to save Mourinho's skin?

In the other corner is Sir Alex Ferguson, on the trail of his sixth FA Cup and, remarkably, his fourth Premiership and Cup double. A man whose United career was saved by his first victory in the competition 17 years ago and now, in Cristiano Ronaldo, has arguably the player who epitomises the skill, pace, power and élan of his generation more than other. On Thursday night, Ferguson showed just how he spans the ages by comparing Ronaldo to Celtic's late great winger Jimmy Johnstone. Old sages nodded their heads. Ronaldo, sat next to his manager, stared ahead and, at his age, could be forgiven for thinking: "Jimmy who?"

Both these clubs, their managers and their players have credibility tied up in competitions that stretch way beyond the humble FA Cup, but today - in the return to Wembley - they have the chance to forge something new. Do Chelsea want to be loved? Outplaying United on a historic day would create a legacy of young supporters. Ferguson has won this five times before, but victory today would surely feel as sweet as against Crystal Palace in a replay in 1990. It is a notoriously sentimental old competition, but as former players from finals right back to 1957 do a lap of honour before the game, English football should grant itself the indulgence.

Frank Lampard said this week that the FA Cup final had "got its edge back" and now it must be hoped that this afternoon's two sides have as well. As the Premiership race has ground to its conclusion, Chelsea's flagging spirit has been hard to miss. In the euphoria of their ninth title, however, United's draining of form has gone largely unnoticed. They have not scored a goal from open play since they beat Everton on 28 April and they still seem to bear the wounds of that crushing defeat in Milan four days later.

Chelsea's weakness is evident in their injuries, with Ashley Cole the latest to succumb. He appears to have lost his race to get fit, as too has Michael Ballack, Ricardo Carvalho and the beleaguered Andrei Shevchenko. With Arjen Robben fit only for a substitute's role and John Obi Mikel struggling, it seems that Didier Drogba will again be forced to carry the attack.

Will Ferguson match Mourinho with a five-man midfield and either Wayne Rooney or Alan Smith alone in attack? If ever a game deserved to be spared the deadening modern obsession with 4-5-1, surely it was this one?

Ferguson said this week that he expected a good game, although he must be comforted by the lack of options that Mourinho will have on his bench to change things in the later stages. "I am acutely aware that on the one side you have a wounded animal who have lost the League to us," Ferguson said. "On the other hand you have got a team with confidence and I just have to make sure there is no distinction between the two teams in terms of the desire to win."

The United manager added that "you don't play the occasion you play your own game" but even for the most dispassionate modern footballer that will surely be difficult today. The referee Steve Bennett has the rare distinction of being the one man on such a historical day who hopes that no-one remembers him. He is regarded as a solid official if a little distant. For all their rivalries, however, there are not the serious enmities between these two teams that both share with Arsenal.

And spare a thought for the Football Association on this day of days. As usual the geriatric councillors from the shires will shuffle to their posh seats, and as usual the people trying to revolutionise the FA cop the blame for the two clubs' ticket allocations. Some things never change. But today, as this new stadium reclaims its most famous competition everyone can say - even in this hyperbole-charged sport - that an important history is being made.