Manchester United emerged triumphant in a thrilling FA Cup final on Saturday, defeating Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley Stadium.
United executed a counter-attacking masterclass to stop Pep Guardiola from winning his 18th trophy as City manager.
United became the first side since Millwall in 2004 to start two teenagers in an FA Cup final – Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo – they secured the win for the Red Devils.
Garnacho capitalised on a shocking miscommunication at the back for City in the 30th minute.
Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega failed to deal with a ball over the top, and Garnacho stole in and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The Reds were more confident, stringing short passes together and looking to transition with pace, while City were bereft of ideas, struggling to create clear-cut chances.
United scored the second nine minutes later after some lovely interplay. Bruno Fernandes set up Mainoo, who placed a finish beyond Ortega.
Guardiola made changes at half-time, bringing on Julian Alvarez and Jeremy Doku to turn things around. The Belgian gave City a better wide threat while Alvarez doubled up with Erling Braut Haaland.
They gave City more impetus, and Haaland struck the woodwork with a vicious shot from inside the box. Doku then set up Phil Foden, but he fluffed his lines.
Doku was torturing United’s backline and got the deserved reward for his relentless endeavours in the 84th minute.
The former Rennes man cut in and smashed in a low shot that beat Andre Onana, setting up a nervy finish.
However, Man United held on to their one-goal lead to secure a spot in the Europa League next season.
Erik ten Hag is the first manager to win a major domestic cup final against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 25, 2024
Mic drop… 🎤 pic.twitter.com/pFaZRVcm59
Erik ten Hag has been under immense pressure this season but keeps his reputation intact with a win in what could be his final game in charge of the Red Devils.
The odds were not in his favour today, coming up against a City side on a 35-game unbeaten run.
United had lost four of their last five FA Cup finals, but the Dutchman masterminded a terrific win.
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