Manchester United clinched the English FA Cup with a 2-1 victory over English Premier League champions Manchester City at Wembley on Saturday, securing a thrilling win in the Manchester derby final.
In a rematch of 2023 final, United exacted revenge with two first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. City managed a late consolation goal through Jeremy Doku.
Despite City dominating possession under Pep Guardiola, Erik ten Hag’s United remained disciplined and capitalized on a City mistake to take the lead at the 30-minute mark.
A mix-up between defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega allowed Garnacho to easily tap the ball into an empty net for the opener.
Nine minutes later, Mainoo doubled United’s lead, finishing off a well-orchestrated team move with a clinical strike from Bruno Fernandes’ lay-off.
City intensified their efforts in the second half, pressing hard and having penalty appeals denied before Doku pulled one back in the 87th minute. His shot deflected off United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana, raising the tension in the closing moments.
However, United’s defense, often criticized for its fragility, stood firm to secure a memorable win, offering a silver lining in an otherwise dismal EPL season for the Red Devils.
This victory marks United’s 13th FA Cup title and their first since 2016, breaking an eight-year drought in the competition.
It also snapped City’s impressive 35-match unbeaten streak across all competitions this season, including an 11-game unbeaten run in the FA Cup within regulation time.
Notably, this is United’s first win over City this season and their first FA Cup victory against their rivals on the third attempt.
United also became the first team finishing eighth or lower to defeat the EPL champions in the FA Cup final since Aston Villa in 1957.
For Erik ten Hag, this FA Cup title is his second trophy at the helm of Manchester United, adding to 2023 Carabao Cup triumph. With this win, United also secured a spot in the Europa League for next season.
