In the FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley, Manchester United defeated Manchester City, the reigning champion, 2-1 to win the trophy.
Cross-town rival City was denied the first English league-cup double-header when United won its first trophy of the year. Also, United earned a spot in the Europa League for the upcoming campaign.
The final was a rematch of the one City won 2-1 the year before, and Pep Guardiola’s squad refused to give up the prize easily.
Alejandro Garnacho scored the first goal in the thirty-first minute following errors made by goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and City defender Josko Gvardiol.
Manager Erik ten Hag, whose position was under close scrutiny heading into the final, was ecstatic when Kobbie Mainoo added a second goal in the 39th.
United led 1-0 at the break, but City increased their pressure in the second half and eventually tied the score in the 87th minute on a long-range effort into the bottom corner by replacement Jeremy Doku.
By then, Erling Haaland had struck the crossbar, Kyle Walker had made two tremendous saves from goalie Andre Onana, and replacement Julian Alvarez had missed the mark at close range with just the keeper to beat.
United won their 13th FA Cup, one behind Arsenal’s record of 14. Ten Hag won their second trophy at the club after winning the League Cup last year. Players and staff embraced Dutchman Ronaldo after the final whistle, with United co-owners Joel and Avram Glazer and British billionaire Jim Ratcliffe watching on.
Speculation about Ten Hag’s future dominated the buildup, with the expectation that he would lose his job regardless of the outcome of United’s worst league season in 34 years. City, however, had a different story, winning four titles in a row and aiming to set a new benchmark by completing back-to-back doubles. City’s parade in Manchester will not include the FA Cup.
In the first half, City had a strong possession advantage, but United took the lead through Garnacho’s threatening attacks. The Argentine winger sparked panic in City’s defense, and Gvardiol’s headed back pass went over City goalkeeper Ortega, leaving Garnacho with an open net to tap home. United’s second goal came from a slick attack, with Garnacho at the heart of it again. The captain hit a no-look pass to Mainoo, who slotted past Ortega.
Mainoo praised the team’s preparation for the upcoming game, stating that despite a challenging season with ups and downs, they were determined to come together and show their ability to compete and win games.
