David Beckham warns Manchester United players that they shouldn’t need motivation for FA Cup final | OneFootball

Manchester United legend David Beckham has warned that any United players who aren’t motivated for the FA Cup final are in the wrong team and playing the wrong sport.

The former midfielder enjoyed a trophy-laden spell at Old Trafford, winning six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and one Champions League at the club.

A United academy prospect, Beckham was the epitome of high standards, talent and work ethic back in the 90s and 2000s.

Sadly the 2024 version of United, whilst having the talent, severely lacks the work ethic and discipline required to grind out results under difficult circumstances.

This has resulted in Erik ten Hag’s side slipping to eighth in the table and losing a club record 13 matches in a single Premier League season.

There was a worrying report relayed by The Peoples Person that United’s players have “given up” and fear they will fail to win any of their remaining three crucial league games in addition to the FA Cup final against cross-city rivals, Manchester City.

Pundits have also laid into certain stars’ efforts with Marcus Rashford and Casemiro often being two of the most singled-out players for their poor displays.

Both players were vital as United ended their trophy drought last season but this term, they have been a shadow of their former selves.

Speaking at the premiere of the new 1999 Treble documentary, Beckham stated that he hoped the United manager wouldn’t have to do very much to motivate the players to seek revenge for last season’s final defeat to the same opponents.

“I think that’s the whole point of being a Manchester United player and playing in these big games you should be motivated. When you’re a professional footballer and you’re doing the job you love and you’re at the club you love, when you’re playing in any game, whether it’s a regular season game or whether it’s an FA Cup final against your rivals, that should be enough motivation.”

Drawing on his own experience as a seasoned winner at the club he stated, “And, if it’s not, then you’re in the wrong team and you’re playing the wrong sport.

“We went into every game, whether it was a youth cup game, a friendly game, off-season or a European Cup final, with the same mentality and the same drive and that’s what you’d hope that any team and any player for Manchester United go into an FA Cup final against Manchester City with enough motivation that the manager shouldn’t have to say much.”

It speaks volumes about the sad state of affairs at the club that fans have to genuinely worry about whether or not their players will be up for an FA Cup final but it is a very real concern.

In reality, there is still much to play for in the Premier League. Yes, Champions League football is out of reach but Europa League qualification is still very much within reach with three mouth-watering ties versus Arsenal, Newcastle and Brighton still to play before attention can even switch to the FA Cup final.

Moreover, playing for the biggest club in England, if not the world, should be enough motivation for any player. If it is not, it is scary to think how much club standards have fallen under the incompetent Glazers.

One of the most vital aspects new owners INEOS are looking to change is the poor culture that has festered in the club for far too long and winning an FA Cup against their neighbours would be a strong way to enter what promises to be one of the most dramatic windows in the club’s recent history.

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