Wayne Rooney hopes today is a "stepping stone" towards continued success for Manchester United.

BBC Radio 5 Live

On BBC Radio 5 live last night, Crystal Palace striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who has scored once in 15 appearances, was being debated.

Crystal Palace fan and comedian Kevin Day: "You get glimpses of what he can do. But he can’t do it anymore. He has this aura. He’s been a peripheral figure but he doesn’t act like he is. Was he worth the risk? No, because he’s scored once."

Ex-Spurs boss David Pleat says the 32-year-old has a "strange gravitas that isn’t deserved".

Image source, Reuters

We are loving the comments and photos of where you lot are watching the FA Cup final. Keep them coming in. 

• Are you on your way to Wembley? 
• Are you on holiday and will watch it at some exotic bar? 
• Have you got the party food in?

Stick your TV on to channel one - it's all starting now on BBC ONE!

You can also watch in this page. Tremendous. 

It. Is. MASSIVE.

Image source, EPA

If you've been lucky enough to see your team in a major final you'll of course know of the scrap for tickets and the pilgrimage to get to Wembley.

Palace fans don't have far to travel and expect them to be noisy. Not since 1990 have they had a day like this so expect them to be incredibly up for what will be a first cup-final for fans of younger years. Those rare occasions often see fans dig that bit deeper and sing a little louder. Add that to the fact Palace already have one of the Premier League's more passionate and noisy followings and it's a tasty cocktail.

Image source, Getty Images

And what about Manchester United's following? They went absolutely mental behind the Wembley goal when Anthony Martial struck late to win the semi-final. For a club with such trophy-laden history, the scenes that day showed this still matters.

It may matter even more thesedays as United's fall from grace maybe calls on days like today to offer hope that they can still indeed compete when it matters.

Their fans have seen winning days aplenty. So can they ensure they arrive at this famous stadium hungry? Anything less could see the Eagles' fans roar them to an upset.

David Pleat
Former Tottenham boss on 5 live Sport

"I don’t think Sir Alex Ferguson or Bobby Charlton have the influence anymore. I think Jose Mourinho does have enough charisma [to overcome concerns about his management]. If they start off well the fans will forgive anyone."

Jim White
Telegraph journalist on BBC Radio 5 live

"I’d be very interested if the Manchester United board of directors had planned what they’d do next. It strikes me as they don’t have a contingency plan ahead. Man City chased Pep Guardiola for two or three years.  

"The man who absolutely fits is Mauricio Pochettino. He would play good football and bring on the youngsters but there’s no chance of him going.  

"I don't think Jose Mourinho is a Manchester United manager. In terms of his philosophy - it doesn't fit, particularly on bringing through youngsters. Did he ever bring one through at Chelsea? I could see Van Gaal staying on."

Image source, PA

So, if this does prove to be Louis van Gaal's final game in charge of Manchester United, how will his tenure be judged by the sieve of time?

And would Jose Mourinho be the correct man to take the club forward?

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Wayne Rooney has faced widespread criticism this season for what many perceive is a below-par contribution.

The club-captain has still managed 14 goals for the Red Devils in the campaign but his move into a deeper midfield role is an interesting one.

Rooney's central position allows United to accommodate Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford high up the pitch and ultimately sees him receive a lot more of the ball.

Should he play there today, he could be faced by the silky movements of Yohan Cabaye.

The Frenchman has contributed five goals from midfield but is his general contribution over valued? Just one assist in the league perhaps shows Palace don't look to him for guile all too often.

Cabaye v Rooney looks a mouthwatering battle on paper.

We are loving the comments and photos of where you lot are watching the FA Cup final.

Keep them coming in.  

• Are you on your way to Wembley?
• Are you on holiday and will watch it at some exotic bar?
• Have you got the party food plated out?

The tears of Wilfried Zaha [see 15:59] suggest that the former Manchester United winger has missed out this evening.

But we should have full, confirmed team news coming your way in the next 20 minutes or so. 

Rio's on his best behaviour meeting the old boss...

Yep, all the pre-match chat from the media in Spain is that not only is Louis van Gaal getting potted by Manchester United but he could even get his marching orders tonight.

It may not come as much of a surprise if Van Gaal leaves. But on the day of a cup final? Potentially a Cup win?

Surely not...

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer at Wembley

Image source, PA

"So will this be Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal's last stand in today's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace at Wembley?

"It sounds increasingly like it as the noise grows around the Dutch coach. If it is, he has the opportunity to leave Manchester United the most famous trophy in English football to remember him by.

"Palace, defeated by United here at Wembley in 1990 when Sir Alex Ferguson won his first trophy at the club, and manager Alan Pardew - who played for The Eagles in that final - will have other ideas and have the pace and physical strength to trouble Van Gaal's side."

Image source, .

The FA Cup final brings together a manager who has spent the season under pressure and a manager enduring the type of form which could see him under scrutiny before too long.

Louis van Gaal at Manchester United has seen his position questioned throughout the campaign. His side had a dire month from 28 November to Boxing Day, picking up just three points from 18. This, ultimately, saw their Champions League hopes dented but form in the second half of the season has improved.

Indeed, United have taken 33 points from 18 league games, compared to 30 from 19 in the first half of the season.

Palace have gone the other way with just two wins in 21 league games to end the season 15th having been fifth on 21 December.

Pardew's position seems secure but defeat for either of these managers today could lead to some tricky questions for both them and their boards in the days and weeks to follow.