With Tommy Doyle and James McAtee ineligible to face their parent club in the final-four clash, United have been denied the services of two of their most influential players in recent weeks – to add to the already unenviable task of facing Pep Guardiola’s Premier League superstars.
With that in mind, we tasked our Blades writers James Shield and Danny Hall to pick the side they would send out to face City in a bid to reach the club’s first FA Cup final since 1936. Here's what they came up with ...
9. Ollie Norwood
Having Tommy Doyle and James McAtee ruled out is a real blow but a player of Norwood’s quality is no bad replacement. When United do have the ball it will likely go through him and he has proved this season he is very good off the ball as well - as he’ll need to be on Saturday Photo: Naomi Baker
10. Sander Berge
This is one of those occasions when United need their big players to step up and Berge is amongst that category. His first time at Wembley, he has in-depth knowledge of Haaland from their international commitments and if United are to have a chance you imagine he’ll have to play to his undoubted potential Photo: Simon Bellis
11. Iliman Ndiaye
To have any chance of progressing to the final, United will also have to show some attacking prowess - and no man has more of that than Ndiaye, who will not be fazed by the prospect of facing City and will see it as the perfect chance to make Wembley his stage. He plays in the McAtee role for me, supporting the front two when the chance allows Photo: Cameron Smith
12. Oli McBurnie
Not at his best in recent weeks and cuts a frustrated figure at times on the pitch but will back himself to give City’s defence a tough afternoon. United may need to go a little longer than they would ordinarily like so McBurnie will need to occupy his centre-half and hold the ball up for those around him to get up the pitch and look to make something happen. Will also need to do his fair share of defensive work in my set-up, which wouldn't be an issue Photo: David Davies