The FA Cup Final 2026 delivered plenty of drama. Manchester United legend Paul Scholes delves into one of its most talked-about moments. Erling Haaland’s surprising decision not to take a penalty during Manchester City’s defeat. Scholes questions the mindset of a player of Haaland’s stature opting out in such a high-pressure situation and suggests it may reflect deeper tactical or psychological issues within the team.
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The former midfielder also turns his attention to Jack Grealish. Arguing that the England international must consider leaving City to reignite his career and secure regular playing time. Looking ahead, Scholes shares his perspective on the all-English UEFA Europa League final. Focusing on the tactical challenges facing Sporting CP manager Ruben Amorim. And the key selections that could decide the outcome of a match set to capture the imagination of fans across the continent.
Haaland’s Penalty Decision Sparks Debate During FA Cup 2026
The FA Cup season was filled with tension, but one of the most baffling moments came. When Erling Haaland opted not to take Manchester City’s penalty. Handing the responsibility instead to Marmoush. In his latest column, Paul Scholes expressed disbelief at the decision, branding it ridiculous. The former Manchester United midfielder insisted that such a move would have infuriated Sir Alex Ferguson. During his own playing days, and he suspects Pep Guardiola wasn’t too pleased either. Even if he has remained publicly quiet on the issue.
Grealish Benched in FA Cup Final 2026 Time to Move On?
Jack Grealish’s omission from the matchday action in the FA Cup only reinforced. Paul Scholes’ belief that the winger’s time at Manchester City should come to an end. The decision to overlook him entirely, even when City were chasing the game. Suggests a lack of trust from Guardiola. Scholes argues that Grealish should consider a move to revive his career. Potentially returning to Aston Villa, where he once flourished. The sight of teenager Claudio Echeverri being chosen ahead of him may have been a clear sign. That City are already planning for life without him. Read Also Conference League Final Focus
FA Cup Final 2026 Bench Snub Could Signal End for Grealish at City
Scholes didn’t hold back when discussing the long-term implications for Grealish after his benching in the FA Cup 2025- 2026. While acknowledging the player’s talent. He emphasized that the last couple of seasons have been inconsistent and underwhelming. The decision to field young players ahead of him in such a major final would have been a painful blow to Grealish’s confidence. Scholes believes a clean break would benefit both parties and allow the England international to regain form and rhythm elsewhere.
Henderson’s FA Cup Final 2026 Display Didn’t Change Scholes’ Mind
Despite producing a man-of-the-match performance in the FA Cup Final 2026. Dean Henderson still failed to convince Paul Scholes that Manchester United was wrong to let him go. Scholes recalled a period when Henderson had a chance to become United’s first-choice keeper but fell short. Making several costly errors. While he respects Henderson’s ability as a solid shot-stopper, Scholes maintains that the decision. To part ways with him was correct, and that the goalkeeper is currently playing at a level that suits him better.
FA Cup Final 2026 Highlights Onana’s Big-Game Temperament
Reflecting on goalkeeper options, Scholes argued that Andre Onana remains the more dependable choice for major finals. He referenced Onana’s strong showing for Inter Milan against Manchester City in the Champions League final two years ago. Noting his experience and composure under pressure. Although Onana has had a mixed season at United, Scholes believes he is still better equipped than Henderson. To handle high-stakes occasions like the FA Cup Final 2026 and beyond, and would prefer him in goal for the upcoming UEFA Europa League final.
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FA Cup Final 2026 Tactical Lessons May Shape United’s Europa League Lineup
The tactical approaches taken during the FA Cup Final 2026 could influence how Manchester United set up for their clash against Tottenham Hotspur in the UEFA Europa League final. Paul Scholes advocates starting Amad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho. United’s most explosive forwards alongside Bruno Fernandes. To accommodate this, Scholes suggests dropping Fernandes deeper into midfield next to Casemiro. A setup that has delivered results in previous European fixtures. He believes the final will be decided by big moments from top players, not just rigid tactics.
Rasmus Hojlund Still a Wild Card Ahead of Europa Showdown
Turning his focus to the upcoming Europa League final, Scholes discussed the form of Rasmus Hojlund. While the Danish striker has shown promise in Europe, including some crucial goals. His performances in the Premier League have lacked consistency. Scholes expects manager Ruben Amorim to start Hojlund in the final but warns that his unpredictability makes him a gamble. Depending on how the game unfolds, Amorim may need to make an early decision on whether to stick with him or explore alternate options.
Could Bruno Fernandes Play as a False Nine Again?
One tactical variation that Scholes floated was deploying Bruno Fernandes in a false nine role. A strategy Erik ten Hag used to great effect in last season’s FA Cup final win over City. Scholes argues that Fernandes offers more mobility and vision than other alternatives and could create space for the likes of Garnacho and Amad to exploit. While Kobbie Mainoo has also been tested in that role. Scholes feels Fernandes is better suited to it and would provide United with greater attacking fluidity.
Midfield Balance Key to United’s Europa League Strategy
Another midfield configuration suggested by Scholes involves pairing Casemiro with Manuel Ugarte. Allowing Fernandes to push forward in a more advanced position. This would provide defensive security while maximizing Fernandes’ creative output. With Tottenham expected to sit deeper without some of their key playmakers. United’s ability to control midfield could prove decisive. Scholes emphasizes the need for Amorim to get his selection right. As the manager still seems uncertain about what he can expect from some players on the big stage.
Form and Fitness Issues Plague Spurs Ahead of Final
Scholes also weighed in on Tottenham Hotspur’s chances in the Europa League final. Noting that the absence of James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski could severely limit their attacking potential. Both players were instrumental in Spurs’ three wins over United during the season. And without them, the North London club may be forced into a more conservative approach. Scholes believes this could tilt the balance in United’s favour. Especially given their ability to adapt tactically and find goals from unexpected sources.
Individual Brilliance Could Outweigh Team Structure
As the final nears, Scholes predicts that the match may not be decided by a moment of tactical brilliance but rather a costly mistake or flash of individual brilliance. With attacking talents like Son Heung-min, Dominic Solanke. Brennan Johnson, Fernandes, Amad, and Garnacho on the pitch, the outcome could hinge on one moment of magic or madness. Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities under pressure. And Scholes suggests that whichever side capitalizes on the other’s mistakes will likely emerge victorious.
United’s Experience in Finals Gives Them a Slight Edge
In his final thoughts, Paul Scholes offered a narrow prediction in favour of Manchester United. While he acknowledged that Spurs have been a strong opponent this season. United’s greater experience in finals and trophy-winning pedigree may give them the psychological edge. The absence of Maddison and Kulusevski weakens Tottenham significantly. And Scholes believes that if United play to their potential and avoid defensive lapses, they have just enough in the tank to lift the Europa League trophy once again.
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