Behind two goals from their young phenoms in the first half, Manchester United beat rivals Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in London.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored within 10 minutes of each other to put United 2-0 ahead before half-time. Four-time reigning Premier League champions City scored a goal through Jeremy Doku in the final minutes of regulation but failed to equalize.
“Unbelievable. Nobody believed in us. But we are a team, all together. We fought, the match of our lives,” Garnacho said.
It is the 13th time Manchester United have won the FA Cup in the tournament’s 143-year history, just behind 14-time champions Arsenal. The victory also earned Manchester United a place in the 2024-24 UEFA Europa League, Europe’s second-tier club competition.
City, this season’s Premier League champions, were hoping to become the first club to win the domestic double in consecutive seasons.
Here’s how Saturday’s action unfolded in London:
FINAL: Manchester United 2, Manchester City 1
United held on for a 2-1 victory over their club in the 2024 FA Cup Final, lifting the tournament trophy for the 13th time in the club’s history. The victory saw United qualify for the 2024-25 UEFA Europa League.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hagen was thought to be in the hot seat following his club’s disappointing Premier League season and fans will be keeping a close eye on what happens to the United boss in the days and weeks to come .
Aim! City’s Jérémy Doku makes it 2-1 in the final minutes
The final minutes of the FA Cup final will be rather frenetic after Manchester City’s Jérémy Doku scored from outside the box with a low shot that probably should have been saved by error-prone goalkeeper Andre Onana throughout. throughout his first season with United. . Play!
Manchester City running out of time
With 10 minutes remaining in the 90 minutes, Manchester City gave United everything they had but failed to find a breakthrough. Julian Alvarez replaced Kevin De Bruyne earlier in the second half to give City more firepower.
United goalkeeper Andre Onana made a big save from a long-range effort from City’s Kyle Walker to keep the game at 2-0.
Manchester City make half-time substitutions, Haaland hits the bar
Manuel Akanji replaces Nathan Aké in defense for City while winger Jérémy Doku replaces Mateo Kovacic, a more attacking change from Pep Guardiola trailing 2-0.
In the 55th minute, Man City striker Erling Haaland fired a shot off the crossbar, his team’s best chance of the day so far.
Halftime: Manchester United 2, Manchester City 0
United take a superb 2-0 lead into the dressing room after goals from teenagers Alejandro Garnacho (30th minute) and Kobbie Mainoo (39th minute).
Pep Guardiola’s team dominated possession (75%) in the first half but managed only one shot on goal. City are more than capable of digging themselves out of this hole, but United have done a great job of finding space when their rivals press for the ball, particularly on the second goal.
Kobbie Mainoo’s goal makes it 2-0 for Man United
Less than 10 minutes after compatriot Alejandro Garnacho, 19, had given United the lead, Kobbie Mainoo scored to cap off a sweeping counter-attack and make it 2-0, scoring for the first time from close range. carrying after a clever pass from captain Bruno. Fernandes.
Mainoo has made 24 Premier League appearances for United this season, earning his place in the England senior national team ahead of this summer’s European Championships.
Aim! Alejandro Garnacho gives Manchester United a 1-0 lead
United winger Alejandro Garnacho, 19, took advantage of an error by City defender Joško Gvardiol, who attempted to head the ball back to his goalkeeper during a troublesome encounter on a long ball played over the top. City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega came out to try and recover the ball, allowing Garnacho to slip in behind and score in the 30th minute.
Manchester City sees penalty denied by VAR
United defender Lisando Martinez collided with City’s Erling Haaland who was delivering a cross in the opening minutes, with the Premier League Golden Boot winner hitting the ground hard. City wanted a penalty, but a quick VAR check decided there weren’t enough to warrant a spot-kick.
Manchester United vs Manchester City underway in FA Cup final
City have won both meetings between the clubs in the 2023-24 Premier League season after winning last year’s FA Cup final against their rivals.
FA Cup final line-ups
Erik Ten Hag rumors swirl
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag believes his side can salvage what has been a dismal season in Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City, a match steeped in speculation it could be their last of the embattled manager with the club.
“It’s all about trophies,” Ten Hag told reporters on Thursday. “We have a huge opportunity to win a trophy.
“In the last ten years the club has not won so many trophies, but we have the opportunity to win two in two years,” he added, referring to the Cup victory. the League last season.
The Dutchman refused to answer when asked if Saturday could be his last game in charge of United.
“I don’t have anything to say, I just focus on the job I have to do and that is to win the game on Saturday and then we are in the project and continue in the project,” he said. “I came here to win trophies. On Saturday I have the opportunity to achieve that and we deserved this opportunity as a team.
“After each season you review it and see where you are in the project and what things might need to change.”
-Reuters
How to watch the FA Cup final in the United States
The 2024 FA Cup Final will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN+ on Saturday May 25.
Where is the FA Cup final in 2024?
The 2024 FA Cup final will take place at Wembley Stadium in London.
The new Wembley Stadium has hosted the match since 2007, when the stadium opened. The original Wembley hosted the FA Cup final every year except one from 1923 to 2000. The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff, Wales hosted the match from 2001 to 2006, while the new Wembley was under construction.
2024 FA Cup Final Kick-Off Time
The 2024 FA Cup Final kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 25.
List of FA Cup winners
- 2022-23: Manchester City
- 2021-22:Liverpool
- 2020-21: The city of Leicester
- 2019-20:Arsenal
- 2018-19: Manchester City
- 2017-18:Chelsea
- 2016-17:Arsenal
- 2015-16:Manchester United
- 2014-15:Arsenal
- 2013-14:Arsenal
- 2012-13: Wigan Athletic
Contributor: Reuters