Crystal Palace v Manchester United preview: Louis van Gaal looking for first United trophy

Manchester United go in search of their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club as they face Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final at Wembley on Saturday evening.

United, who finished fifth in the Premier League and missed out on Champions League football for a second time in three years, are also looking for their first FA Cup final win since 2004.

Palace are looking to win their first major trophy in their 111-year history, having finished 15th in the Premier League under Alan Pardew.

Pardew has only ever taken part in two FA Cup finals; once as a player with Palace when they were beaten by Manchester United in 1990, and once as a manager with West Ham in a 3-1 defeat on penalties to Liverpool in 2006.

Pardew said: "My memory of the FA Cup goes back a long time - to watching it on the sofa with my dad, babbling away. They were some of the few times I saw him get emotional.

"That was my introduction as a young child and then, of course, being involved at every level as a player and manager. It's been a big part of my growing up as an English person, player and professional."

Victory would also help the cause of manager Louis van Gaal, whose job security has been the subject of intense speculation, but he insists that his own interests are not as important as winning a trophy.

"I think the interests of the club are much more important, and also the interests of the fans are much more important, than the manager," he said.

"Of course you have to set your own aims and that is one of the aims I have had, always. But it is not good to speak about my interests, it is good to speak about the interests of the club. For the club, this is very important."

Team news

Joe Ledley is Palace's only absentee for the final at Wembley. The Wales international has fractured his fibula and his participation at Euro 2016 is therefore in doubt.

Bakary Sako has been passed fit after training on Thursday, while Emmanuel Adebayor is expected to start what could be his last match for the club from the bench.

United boss Van Gaal faces a selection poser for Saturday, with a quartet of players pushing for a return to the 18-man squad.

United convincingly beat Bournemouth 3-1 in their final match of the league season, but can now add fit-again trio Matteo Darmian, Marcos Rojo and Morgan Schneiderlin as well as Marouane Fellaini.

Fellaini is back in contention after a three-game suspension, putting Ander Herrera's place at risk.

Opta stats

These sides met in the 1990 FA Cup final - Crystal Palace's only FA Cup final to date - United won 1-0 after a replay following a 3-3 draw.

United have reached their first FA Cup final since 2007, and 19th overall (W11 L7). Only Arsenal (12) have won the trophy more times than the Red Devils.

Indeed, Manchester United haven't won the trophy since 2004, and haven't won it at Wembley since 1999.

United have won 15 of their last 20 games against the Eagles in all competitions (D4 L1).

The London side have won their last three games at Wembley Stadium, including both games since it was reopened in 2007 (both against Watford).

This will be Man United's 14th game at the new Wembley Stadium - no team has played more games there (Chelsea also 14).

Charlie Nicholas' prediction

Manchester United are obviously heavy favourites but the big question is whether winning it will be enough to ensure Van Gaal keeps his job. I'm not sure it is.

I don't think it will be as one-sided a final as some are expecting. For as much as United might dominate possession, I can't see them having it all their own way and Palace have dangerous players.

The fact that United play with such advanced wide men in Anthony Martial and Jesse Lingard means that their full-backs won't have much protection, which is dangerous up against Yannick Bolasie and Wilfried Zaha, who will be desperate to prove a point, while Connor Wickham is probably their main goal threat.

I do see United getting the job done though and their fans might even be treated to a few goals again! Wayne Rooney is looking fresh now, and Martial has developed into a real match winner.

Charlie predicts: Man Utd to win 3-1 and Rooney to score first (40/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Manchester United are Sky Bet's 1/3 favourites to get their hands on the FA Cup trophy with Crystal Palace 9/4 outsiders. Van Gaal's men are 8/11 to get the job done within 90 minutes to Palace's price of 17/4, while a draw and extra-time is priced at 12/5, with a penalty shoot-out a 4/1 chance.

Marcus Rashford and Wayne Rooney head the first goalscorer betting at 4/1 apiece while Connor Wickham is rated the Eagles' main threat at 13/2 to break the deadlock. The Soccer Saturday pundits and Jamie Redknapp have provided their Sky Bet tips here.