FA Cup Final: Wayne Rooney Hoping To Make It Third Time Lucky
The 2016 Emirates FA Cup Final between Crystal Palace and Manchester United will kick off at 5.30pm on Saturday 21 May at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
The 2016 Final will see more fans attend English football’s showpiece match with more than 57,500 supporters of the two finalists in attendance. The increase will see 28,780 tickets per team, the equivalent of 80 per cent of the available seats in the stadium.
This kick-off was agreed after consultation with the Metropolitan Police, British Transport Police, the Safety Advisory Group and other key parties in the game. The FA will work closely with both clubs on all transport options to and from the stadium.
Manchester United star Wayne Rooney is hoping to make it third time lucky in The Emirates FA Cup this year.
The England captain helped the Reds into their first Cup Final since 2007 last weekend, as they beat Everton to set up a repeat of the 1990 showpiece against Crystal Palace.
“I’ve played in two FA Cup Finals and both have ended up in defeat,” he said.
“It’s a cup I haven’t been lucky enough to win yet, so it’s a good chance for us.
“I’m sure it’ll be a tough game but I think the fans deserve it – they’ve got to come to Wembley for a Cup Final, and we have to give them a good performance.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for us. There are a lot of young and new players in the dressing room so it could be a big day for us in The Final and the start of something special, I hope.”
Rooney was employed in a deeper role than usual by boss Louis Van Gaal on Saturday, impressing in a midfield position against his former club.
And the 30-year-old admits he enjoyed the new set-up, as a first-half goal from Marouane Fellaini and stoppage-time strike from Anthony Martial sealed a 2-1 win.
“I think you’re obviously more involved in the game, you have a bigger influence from that position,” he revealed about his new role.
“I’ve tried to play what I’ve seen and I think it worked, with me and Michael [Carrick] having a bit more experience in there.
“We helped calm the game down when we needed to, especially after the equaliser, so I enjoyed it.
“I think the amount of games I’ve played – I know I’m still 30 – I try to help them and try and enjoy my football, which I’m doing.”
(FA.com)
