Blame Erling Haaland for our FA cup defeat to Man Utd as Haaland miss a late penalty in 90 minutes against Man Utd yesterday
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Man City vs Manchester United highlights and reaction as Man Utd win FA Cup after Mainoo and Garnacho goals
Man Utd won the FA Cup with a 2-1 win over Man City and you can recap what happened in the game in our dedicated blog.
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BY SIMON BAJKOWSKI, SAMUEL LUCKHURST, JOE BRAY, TYRONE MARSHALL, STEVEN RAILSTON
UPDATED18:00, 25 MAY 2024
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(Image: 2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
Manchester United have won the FA Cup after a 2-1 win against Manchester City.
The two Manchester clubs have reached the final of England’s oldest cup competition again and City were hoping to retain the trophy after winning last year’s final.
Pep Guardiola’s side had won the last three meetings between City and United and the Reds approached the FA Cup final as underdogs again – but the game didn’t go as most predicted.
Against all odds, United claimed a stunning victory against City thanks to first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo, which proved enough for the win.
United were outstanding and looked like a different team after a dismal season. Erik ten Hag’s tactics worked perfectly and City only started to threaten late in the second half.
Jeremy Doku provided City with a glimmer of hope in the dying moments of the match by finding the bottom corner, but it wasn’t enough and the Blues slumped to a defeat.
Recap what happened at Wembley here.
KEY EVENTS
United player ratings as Amrabat and Mainoo brilliant vs City
17:07
FULL-TIME! City 1-2 United
16:56
86′ – MCI 1-2 MUN – GOAL! 2-1 CITY (Doku)
16:45
39′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – GOAL! 2-0 UNITED! (Mainoo)
15:42
29′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – GOAL! 1-0 UNITED! (Garnacho)
15:31
18:00STEVEN RAILSTON
Guardiola handed awkward reminder about his City future
Manchester City arrived at Wembley to make more history but saw the end of a few eras instead after a drab defeat to Manchester United.
Whether Erik Ten Hag remains at Old Trafford remains to be seen but the Blues and Rodri must start again next season after seeing 35-match and 74-match unbeaten runs respectively ended. On top of English football six days previously celebrating a fourth successive Premier League title, here they were outplayed by a team they had beaten twice and finished 31 points above; to make it worse, it was their neighbours who they have spent the year laughing at.
Pep Guardiola had warned this performance could happen, and singled out Bruno Fernandes before the game as a specific threat for United. Yet in truth nobody saw this coming as United produced a performance they hadn’t done all season to stun the Blues.
Kyle Walker had to be alert inside the first ten seconds as United looked to catch City as cold as they had been done on this occasion last season. Marcus Rashford hounded down on goal after a long kick over the top but his England teammate used his exceptional recovery pace to get the Blues out of trouble.
Still inside the first minute, City went straight up the other end and were furious that a penalty wasn’t given when Lisandro Martinez barged into the back of Erling Haaland. Pep Guardiola, smart in a suit but without the lucky sweatshirt that he never dared go against in the title race, was remonstrating on the touchline as his players queried the decision.
Read the full report here.
17:58STEVEN RAILSTON
What a day for United
United fans deserve that – they have been brilliant all season.
17:47STEVEN RAILSTON
Ten Hag interview after FA Cup final win
Unfair treatment by the media?
I think so. The team, me as well, (it) was not right.
But United have been disappointing?
No, but we didn’t have the players. We are right, we have seen the same things. There was not always good football, definitely not, but we had to make all the time compromises. Then you can’t play the football you want to play. I’m now here two years and probably 3/4 times we had the full squad available. Also today, some massive players, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Casemiro, we had not on board.
Was it your last game in charge?
“I don’t know. (Shrugs) But the only thing I’m doing is preparing my team, develop my team, progress my team and individual players because this is a project for me. When I came in, I can say it was a mess. We are now better. But we are by far not where we want to be. Football is about winning trophies. At the end of the day … I want to play the best football, I want to play dynamic football, attacking football. But in the end you have to win games and win trophies.. That’s the mentality we brought in. We had only one opportunity, the FA Cup. I’m very proud of the players and the staff because they did an incredible job.”
17:36SAMUEL LUCKHURST
REPORT: United get it right when it matters most vs City
‘We’re the boys in blue coming after you’ read the banner in the Manchester City section. It was United who gave City a chasing.
Lisandro Martinez lifted Erik ten Hag off his feet and embarked on an impromptu lap of honour. Some players collapsed in ecstasy. Others embraced whoever was nearest to them.
United saved the best until last. This was the United their ardent followers recognised, five weeks on from an unpalatable performance against a weaker sky-blue-shirted outfit on the same turf.
Of all United’s 13 FA Cup final triumphs, this has to be United’s sweetest and most celebrated since the double-double clincher against Liverpool in 1996. City have to settle for a single.
Click here to read Samuel Luckhurst’s match report in full.
(Image: 2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
17:33GEORGE SMITH
United have got what they wanted
United have made their way up to the Royal Balcony and have made themselves familar with the FA Cup once again. They have clinched this particular crown for the first time since 2016.
(Image: Mike Hewitt/Getty Images.)
17:17STEVEN RAILSTON
United climb the Wembley stairs
Just look at the smiles on those faces.
17:08STEVEN RAILSTON
City player ratings as Ortega and De Bruyne poor in cup final
Ortega: City’s hero at Spurs was too rash for most of the first half, and having come out for the first goal he had to get there. Some solid saves, still. 5
Walker: Did well to deal with Rashford’s pace and one of the few City players to really test Onana even if it was from distance. 7
Stones: His first start since the FA Cup semi-final here last month and he looked undercooked, short of his usual class. 5
Ake: Managed to avoid the panic at the back for much of the first half but eventually got caught up in it. 5
Gvardiol: Had looked good moving forwards in the first half until his unfortunate part in the first goal. Kept going without doing too much. 6
Rodri: Sloppy by his extremely high standards, giving the ball away too often and unable to control as he normally would. 6
The ratings continue here.
(Image: 2024 AMA Sports Photo Agency)
17:07KEY EVENT
United player ratings as Amrabat and Mainoo brilliant vs City
Andre Onana
Had staggeringly little to do in the first half against a shot-shy City but brilliantly repelled Kyle Walker’s piledriver as City cranked up the pressure. Onana cracked when he conceded to Jeremy Doku. 6
Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Defended solidly and was expertly guided by Raphael Varane on his last start for United. Jeremy Doku came on at half-time but Wan-Bissaka pocketed him. 8
Raphael Varane
Showed why Erik ten Hag has oft-lamented his and Lisandro Martinez’s absence. A last dance to savour on his final appearance for United. 8
Lisandro Martinez
Offered silk and steel in his reunion with Varane, unsettling Erling Haaland and Phil Foden early on whilst orchestrating the backline. 8
Diogo Dalot
His hopeful hoik led to the first goal but Dalot’s overall performance was of an elite full back, even playing out of position on the left. 8
Read the full ratings here.
(Image: 2024 The FA)
16:56KEY EVENT
FULL-TIME! City 1-2 United
That’s the final whistle in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
Manchester United are the WINNERS OF THE FA CUP!
(Image: 2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
16:52STEVEN RAILSTON
90+4′ – MCI 1-2 MUN – Lindelof and Mount on
Lindelof and Mount ON and McTominay and Garnacho OFF
16:49STEVEN RAILSTON
90′ – MCI 1-2 MUN – Seven minutes added time
There’s still plenty time for City to get level, as seven minutes have been added.
16:48STEVEN RAILSTON
89′ – MCI 1-2 MUN – Can City produce an equaliser?
They are shooting toward the City end and it’s all one-way traffic in the dying moments.
16:45KEY EVENT
86′ – MCI 1-2 MUN – GOAL! 2-1 CITY (Doku)
Doku cuts inside from the wing and finds the bottom corner – Onana should have saved it.
City fans have gone wild and we’re set for an enthralling last few minutes.
16:43STEVEN RAILSTON
85′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Incredible from United
Nobody gave United a chance of winning this game and they are minutes away from victory.
16:40STEVEN RAILSTON
81′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Just 10 minutes remaining
United are on the cusp of a stunning, unlikely victory int he FA Cup against heavy favourites City, who are pushing hard for a goal in the closing stages. It’s back against the wall stuff for United but they’ve defended well throughout the entire afternoon, so seem likely to see this out.
16:37STEVEN RAILSTON
78′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Foden free-kick poor
Foden just had a free-kick from around 25 yards but it was poor and failed to clear the United wall.
16:35SIMON BAJKOWSKI
75′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Haaland went to the ground
Haaland has been manhandled all game but it’s hard to see it as anything more than players wrestling with each other. If you’re going to put your arms around a player from a set-piece you can have no complaints if the penalty is given against you – as United found out in the first derby of the season – but usually they’re not given because they are just seen as both sides trying to get an advantage. City can’t be relying on decisions to get back into the game.
16:31STEVEN RAILSTON
73′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – United double change
Evans and Hojlund ON and Martinez and Rashford OFF, as Ten Hag makes two changes.
16:29JOE BRAY
71′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Guardiola looks nervous
Pep Guardiola just strayed about ten yards out of his technical area to the midway point of the United half as City built an attack before being called back by the fourth official. He’s getting nervous and fidgety, but is still trying to motivate his side on by applauding their every positive attempt, even if it doesn’t pay off.
(Image: 2024 CameraSport)
16:28STEVEN RAILSTON
69′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – The game is slipping by
There are just 20 minutes remaining and the game is slipping by City here – they need a goal.
16:26STEVEN RAILSTON
65′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Hojlund sent to warm up
Hojlund has been sent to warm up and it seems like only a matter of time before he’s introduced. United look dangerous on the counter-attack and Garnacho just had a chance.
(Image: 2024 Eurasia Sport Images)
16:23STEVEN RAILSTON
63′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – How has Alvarez missed that?
That is a huge moment in this game, as Alvarez somehow fails to score from just outside the six-yard box. His side foot shot was sent around the left post and the replays showed he mishit it. Guardiola reacted by holding his head in his hands, which tells you how significant it was.
16:18STEVEN RAILSTON
60′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – What a save from Onana
What an outstanding save from Onana, who gets a strong hand to Walker’s effort from distance.
16:15SAMUEL LUCKHURST
58′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – United are fighting for this
And here come City. Ten Hag has instructed a few to warm up and freshness is going to come into this thinking sooner rather than later. This was always coming and these final 30-odd minutes will be a unique test for United. For some, it is their final minutes playing for the club and you cannot fault their commitment.
16:14STEVEN RAILSTON
55′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Alvarez comes on
De Bruyne has just been replaced by Alvarez, which is clearly an attacking change.
16:13JOE BRAY
54′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Much improved from City
City have more purpose to them since the break, and Akanji’s introduction has allowed John Stones to get more involved in midfield. They are trying to play through Doku, but he doesn’t seem to be given the freedom to take on Wan-Bissaka, instead checking back a few times. The first time he does, he sets up Foden, and then Haaland to hit the bar. That’s a lot better, and the Blues fans are responding to get behind their side.
(Image: 2024 Jacques Feeney/Offside)
16:12STEVEN RAILSTON
52′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Doku with a lovely ball
Doku has just played a clever pass into the feet of Foden but he couldn’t get his first time shot away. It feels like the pressure from the Blues is about to come and Haaland just hit the bar.
16:05SIMON BAJKOWSKI
48′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Grealish, Alvarez and Lewis warming up
Two changes for City at half-time and even more in the offing, with Jack Grealish, Julian Alvarez and Rico Lewis all sent to warm out at the beginning of this second half. Guardiola clearly wants a reaction from his team and may not be prepared to wait much longer before more changes. ENDS
16:04STEVEN RAILSTON
47′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Double change for City
Akanji and Doku ON and Ake and Kovacic OFF, as Guardiola makes a double change.
16:04STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – We’re back under way
Here we go for the second half – nobody expected United to be leading 2-0 by the break.
15:48SAMUEL LUCKHURST
United half-time ratings
And here are your United half-time ratings:
Onana
Seldom worked. 7
Wan-Bissaka
Solid. 7
Varane
Faultless. 8
Martinez
Excellent. 8
Dalot
Won his duels. 8
Amrabat
Organised expertly. 8
Mainoo
Was thriving before his marvellous goal. 9
McTominay
The glue between midfield and attack. 7
Garnacho
Ruthless. 8
Fernandes
Fabulous assist. 8
Rashford
Worked Walker. 7
Alejandro Garnacho opens the scoring for Manchester United against Manchester City(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
15:48SIMON BAJKOWSKI
City half-time ratings
Here are your City half-time ratings:
Ortega 4
Walker 6
Stones 5
Ake 5
Gvardiol 5
Rodri 6
Kovacic 6
De Bruyne 5
Silva 6
Foden 5
Haaland 6
(Image: 2024 Marc Atkins)
15:48STEVEN RAILSTON
HALF-TIME! City 0-2 United
That’s the whistle for the break here at Wembley.
United lead by two at Wembley thanks to goals from Garnacho and Mainoo.
What an incredible opening 45 minutes.
(Image: 2024 The FA)
15:47STEVEN RAILSTON
45′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Two minutes added
Almost half-time here at Wembley… Can City find a way back into this game?
15:43SAMUEL LUCKHURST
42′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Incredible from United
This is stirring stuff from United. This has been the half of the season from them and City look dumbfounded. As poor as City have been, United have been exceptional. If this was ever to be a contest, City had to have a bad day but the story here is United’s brilliance. They have managed this half masterfully.
15:43TYRONE MARSHALL
42′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Stunning from Fernandes
That is a touch of genius from Fernandes. Everyone expected him to take the shot on there but he has spotted Mainoo and delivered a disguised pass of the most sublime quality right into his path. A good finish as well. The United end is bouncing and it’s gone very quiet at the other end at Wembley. What a 40 minutes this has been.
(Image: 2024 Chris Brunskill/Fantasista)
15:42SIMON BAJKOWSKI
41′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – Guardiola not pleased
It’s never good when you see a player like Bernardo Silva resorting to a long distance shot from outside the area, and City look a little short of ideas at the minute. They’ve been unable to cope with a United who are playing nothing like the side that finished eighth in the league, and a team that fames itself on breaking down defences is currently resorting to shooting before they approach them. Guardiola does not look best pleased on the touchline.
15:42KEY EVENT
39′ – MCI 0-2 MUN – GOAL! 2-0 UNITED! (Mainoo)
United extend their advantage through Mainoo, who benefits from a stunning Fernandes pass.
That was brilliant form Fernandes and the finish from then youngster was smart.
15:39STEVEN RAILSTON
38′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – Rashford with the ball in the net
Garnacho, who was offside, squared the ball to Rashford and he tapped him (it was flagged offside afterwards). The United end erupted but it didn’t last for long.
15:39JOE BRAY
36′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – Shambolic from City
That was just shambolic from City and you could see it coming a mile off. Gvardiol’s goals fired City to the brink of the title, and Ortega’s save at Spurs got one hand on the Premier League trophy. Between them, they’ve just put United in control of this final. Guardiola froze on the touchline, hands on hips, staring at the pair, and didn’t move for a good 30 seconds-to-one minute. He’s still furious and has sent Manu Akanji to warm up. Gvardiol in particular won’t be looking forward to half-time, and City have let that goal rock them.
(Image: 2024 The FA)
15:36TYRONE MARSHALL
34′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – Where has this United been?
If United had played like this all season then Ten Hag’s job wouldn’t be under threat. They have had three compact lines with 15 to 20 yards front to back. There is no space for City to play and that has unsettled them. Jamie Carragher is probably watching on and thinking ‘I told you so’. The problem all season has been that yawning space in midfield and now that it’s not there they look so much better.
15:35SAMUEL LUCKHURST
31′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – We have a game
That is what this final needed. United going ahead. Onana has just raced up field to join in with the celebrations. There is a long way to go but if United keep this up they have a huge chance of winning the cup.
Their lead is merited. They have been compact and intense, managing the balance expertly. It’s been their best 30 minutes of the season, all things considered.
City have been so off-colour and it was encapsulated by the miscommunication between defender and ‘keeper.
(Image: 2024 The FA)
15:31KEY EVENT
29′ – MCI 0-1 MUN – GOAL! 1-0 UNITED! (Garnacho)
Wow, Garnacho has given United a shock lead after a huge mistake at the back from City.
Gvardiol looked to header the ball back to Ortega, but the ball looped over the goalkeeper’s head and Garnacho slotted home into an empty net, prompting wild celebrations.
15:30STEVEN RAILSTON
27′ – MCI 0-0 MUN – Gvardiol’s touch was poor
Gvardiol is practically a left winger for City these days and he could have created a golden opportunity just there if his touch in the box hadn’t been so poor.
15:26SIMON BAJKOWSKI
24′ – MCI 0-0 MUN – Walker has done well
Kyle Walker has been terrific so far, completely stifling the threat that Rashford and his pace brings. City have been troubled by the through ball for Rashford yet Walker has had his number every single time. It’s been a strong start for him, even if the middle of City’s defence hasn’t been as reliable.
15:23TYRONE MARSHALL
21′ – MCI 0-0 MUN – United must be happy
Foden and De Bruyne have both passed the ball straight out of play in the last few minutes. Sums up a slow start from City but United have to be happy with how it’s going. It’s a very quiet game being played at a slow pace and that suits them. They have been compact behind the ball and the space teams have exploited this season has been nowhere to be seen.
(Image: 2024 Marc Atkins)
15:20SAMUEL LUCKHURST
19′ – MCI 0-0 MUN – Ten Hag making notes
Ten Hag is jotting some notes down. After an eventful first minute it has been a quiet cup final now City are hogging the ball. United have not been unduly troubled so far and maintained a compact shape, though they had four players on the edge of City’s area just then and the ball was played past them with relative ease.
Martinez has has a good first 20 minutes, providing some grit and guile in the back four. City have be
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