FA Cup: Youngsters shine as United win the cup
Manchester City 1 - 2 Manchester United
Manchester United’s victory stopped Premier League champions City from claiming a second consecutive domestic double.
United's win was forged through an impressive first-half performance that saw goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Garnacho capitalised on a mix-up between City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and defender Josko Gvardiol, leaving him with an open goal to score half an hour in. Nine minutes later, Mainoo capped off a sweeping move with a composed finish following a delicate touch from Bruno Fernandes.
City inevitably ramped up the pressure in the second half, with Erling Haaland hitting the post, United keeper Andre Onana making a superb save from Kyle Walker, and Julian Alvarez missing a golden opportunity.
City substitute Jeremy Doku pulled one back with four minutes remaining, but Ten Hag's side held firm to secure a famous victory and clinch their 13th FA Cup, their first since 2016.
How the FA Cup was won.
United’s journey to Wembley glory was a rollercoaster, including a dramatic 4-3 quarter-final win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, sealed by Amad Diallo’s last-gasp goal in extra-time, and a nerve-wracking semi-final against Championship side Coventry City, where they squandered a 3-0 lead before winning on penalties.
United’s first-half display was among the best under Ten Hag, showcasing superb organisation and genuine threat. Mainoo’s second goal was a highlight, as Marcus Rashford’s precise pass found Garnacho, whose cross was deftly touched into Mainoo’s path by Fernandes.
The 19-year-old Mainoo was central to everything, not just scoring but also maintaining a calm presence throughout. His big-match temperament makes him a strong contender to start England’s first game against Serbia at Euro 2024.
Kobbie Mainoo’s goal recorded from the stands, UNBELIEVABLE.😍🔴pic.twitter.com/I3H51zBRdC
— 𝗧𝗲𝗻 𝗛𝗮𝗴’𝘀 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘀 ✍🏼🇳🇱 (@TenHagBall_) May 26, 2024
However, the standout figure was Ten Hag. Once written off as a manager on the brink, he drew a top-class performance from a struggling United team that will now compete in next season’s Europa League.
A rare off day for Manchester City's players
Manchester City's bid to become the first team to win back-to-back Premier League and FA Cup doubles was thwarted by an uncharacteristically off day. Despite being worthy league champions after their final-day win against West Ham United, Guardiola’s side failed to fire and appeared unusually uncertain, especially in the first half against a fearless Manchester United.
Keeper Ortega, who had impressed as a substitute at Tottenham during the title run-in, looked nervous and had already caused a scare before his rash dash from goal led to Gvardiol’s panic-induced header that gifted Garnacho a simple chance.
Magic of the FA Cup: 2023/2024 (eurosuperfootball.blogspot.com)
This all resulted in midfielder Rodri’s first loss in 75 games for City, a streak stretching back to a defeat by Spurs in February 2023. Even when City pushed hard after the break, they fell short. Haaland hit the bar, and Alvarez missed a simple chance.
Footballer of the Year Phil Foden couldn't inspire a comeback, while a jaded Kevin De Bruyne lasted less than an hour.
This simply wasn't City’s day, and this season, they will have to be content with just the Premier League title after last season’s historic Treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup.
