Manchester United defeated English Premier League (EPL) champions Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley to win the English FA Cup on Saturday. In a rematch of last year’s final, United avenged their previous loss in this Manchester derby final, thanks to two first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Jeremy Doku scored City’s late consolation.
Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City dominated possession, but Erik ten Hag’s Manchester United were patient on the counterattack and capitalized on a City error to take the lead at the 30-minute mark. Miscommunication between defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega allowed Garnacho to tap into an empty net for a 1-0 lead.
Mainoo then finished a team move nine minutes later, clinically slotting home Bruno Fernandes’ lay-off to give the Red Devils a two-goal lead at halftime.
City increased the pressure in the second half, with penalty appeals turned down before halving the deficit on 87 minutes through Doku. The Belgian’s shot to the near post was diverted in by Andre Onana, setting up a tense final few minutes. However, United’s usually leaky defense held firm for a memorable victory that provided relief after their worst season ever in EPL history.
The win marks Manchester United’s 13th FA Cup title and their first since 2016, ending an eight-year drought in the competition. The victory also snaps Manchester City’s 35-match unbeaten streak in all competitions this season, including an 11-game unbeaten run in the FA Cup in regulation time.
This triumph is the first time Manchester United has defeated Manchester City this season and also the first time in three FA Cup attempts. Additionally, it is the first time a team finishing eighth or lower has won the FA Cup when facing the EPL champions, replicating Aston Villa’s 1957 feat.
The title is Erik ten Hag’s second trophy since arriving at the club, adding to his Carabao Cup triumph last year. The FA Cup victory also ensures that Manchester United will play in the Europa League next season.
