Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Manchester United take on Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final on Saturday evening at Wembley Stadium.
United, who have won the FA Cup 11 times, are looking to end their three-year trophy drought.
Palace have never won a major honour in their history.
WHAT TIME DOES IT KICK OFF?
5.30pm
WHAT CHANNEL IS IT ON?
BBC 1 (build-up from 2pm)
BT Sport (from 4.45pm)
A Manchester United FA Cup triumph at the "temple" of English soccer would bring a big title to the club and could act as a catalyst to help recapture the glory days, manager Louis van Gaal said.
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed WoodwardShow all 11 1 /11Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Sergio Ramos (Real Madrid) United were wary of entering the race to sign Ramos last summer, knowing he could well be using their interest to land himself a bigger contract. Nevertheless, United moved for the Real captain, and sure enough his “fractured” relationship with Real president Florentino Perez was suddenly patched up and he agreed a five-year contract extension.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Mats Hummels (Borussia Dortmund) Hummels was linked with United in the summer of 2015 after putting his Dortmund future in doubt, alerting United that he could be available as a much-needed defensive target. The Germany international elected to stay in Dortmund though, and has now ended any chance of joining United in the near future by returning to Bayern Munich.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Fabio Coentrao (Real Madrid) United were heavily linked with a loan move for Coentrao in United’s first transfer window under David Moyes and Ed Woodward. Things didn’t go according to plan though, and the move collapsed to leave the pair – Woodward in particular – facing criticism over his handling of the deal and his experience in the football world.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Ander Herrera (Athletic Bilbao) Another player who failed to complete a move during Moyes’s reign despite appearing nailed on to do so. ‘United officials’ arrived in Spain to tie up the deal for Herrera, only to be exposed as imposters as United had not sent anyone from the club. The move collapsed, and United would later sign Herrera the following year for an inflated fee.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Cesc Fabregas (Barcelona) A year before Fabregas sealed his return to England with Chelsea, United had attempted to sign the former Arsenal captain. Again, with Moyes at the helm and repeated declarations of interest, United were unable to agree a deal with Barcelona, and the Spaniard remained with the Catalans for another year before heading to Stamford Bridge and leading them to the Premier League title.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Toni Kroos (Bayern Munich) Kroos had fallen out of favour under Pep Guardiola and the club made it clear that he was available for transfer. That alerted United, but despite making an official offer for the Germany international, he instead joined Real Madrid in 2014.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Thiago Alcantara (Barcelona At the same time as their pursuit of Fabregas, United attempted to sign Thiago from Barcelona. The scenario was different in that Thiago had made it clear he was leaving the club after failing to see regular first-team action under the late Tito Vilanova, but the result proved the same as he chose to snub United in order to join Bayern
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) After a difficult second season in Spain, Bale’s future was under a degree of uncertainty. Rumours of player unrest and a desire to return to England were denied by Bale, but that didn’t stop United from launching a move for the Wales international. Real stood firm though and Bale remains a Real superstar, having inspired them through the Champions League semi-finals.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) Ronaldo has always expressed his desire to “one day” return to Old Trafford after making his name there. United would certainly welcome him back with open arms, but despite hinting at moves for the Portuguese a deal has never been found and United fans continue to wait for their favourite son to return home.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Neymar (Barcelona) United made no secret about their pursuit of Neymar last summer, although there is some uncertainty over whether United were serious about their interest or if it was one to appease the fans’ clamour for a big signing. Neymar was unsure about his future at Barcelona due to his concerns over the tax rate in Spain, but United failed to persuade Barcelona to sell and he remains at the Nou Camp.
Getty
Players Manchester United have failed to sign under Ed Woodward Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich) United’s move for Neymar came after they were told in no uncertain terms to stop trying to sign Muller because he wasn’t leaving Bayern Munich. The German was reluctant to leave the Bundesliga champions despite Van Gaal’s interest, and instead of Neymar or Muller, United ended up with Anthony Martial instead.
Getty
Despite increasing speculation about the future of the Dutchman, Van Gaal said a victory in the final is far more important for the Premier League club than himself.
"It is not good to speak about my interests. It is important for the club, the players, the manager and his staff," he told reporters on Thursday.
"I have read that the last FA Cup (we won) is 2004, so also for Manchester United it is a big title."
"We are playing in the most prestigious temple of England. It confirms how important it is."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies