Manchester United won their 13th FA Cup title with a 2-1 win against rivals Manchester City.
First-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo led the Red Devils to an impressive victory, which might be Erik ten Hag’s last game as their manager.
After conceding a goal within 13 seconds in last year’s final, United managed to avoid a similar start at a sunny Wembley.
Garnacho had an early chance blocked by Stefan Ortega. Although Pep Guardiola’s team gradually started to dominate after a shaky beginning, it was the Red Devils who scored first.
Just before the 30-minute mark, Garnacho took advantage of a major error between Joško Gvardiol and Ortega to score into an empty net.
With momentum on their side, United’s confidence grew as the first half went on, and they doubled their lead in the 39th minute.
While their first goal had a bit of luck, the second was a display of their best teamwork. A great sequence involving Marcus Rashford and Garnacho ended with Bruno Fernandes passing to Mainoo, who calmly finished into the far corner.
Down by two goals, Guardiola brought on Jérémy Doku at the start of the second half to boost City’s attack. The change nearly paid off right away when Doku set up Erling Haaland in the box, but Haaland’s shot hit the crossbar.
Despite this miss, City kept pushing to get back into the game. However, United’s goalkeeper André Onana stayed strong, stopping a long-range effort from Kyle Walker and then seeing Julián Álvarez miss a great one-on-one chance.
City’s pressure didn’t let up as the match entered the final 15 minutes. They eventually scored when Doku’s shot from the edge of the box beat Onana at his near post.
This set up a tense finish, but despite City’s late barrage, Ten Hag’s team held strong to secure a memorable victory. This win gives United their first FA Cup trophy since the 2015/16 season and provides a much-needed boost after their worst-ever Premier League finish.
Meanwhile, City missed the opportunity to become the first English team to win consecutive league and cup doubles.
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