Manchester United upset Manchester City to win FA Cup
WINNER: Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo scores his side's second goal. Pic credit: AP Photo/Kin Cheung.
Manchester United 2 (Garnacho 30, Mainoo 39)
Manchester City (Doku 87)
Manchester United teenagers Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo were the young heroes at Wembley as their goals clinched a remarkable 2-1 victory over deadly rivals Manchester City to see their side lift The FA Cup and clinch a place in Europe.
The two 19-year-olds led celebrations for the red half of Manchester to earn an unexpected triumph against the champions that also strengthens manager Erik Ten Hag’s hopes of remaining in charge at Old Trafford for next season – despite pre-match rumours that he faces the sack.
The jubilant scenes at Wembley, at the end of what has been a frustrating season, also came with an added bonus: a guarantee that United will be playing in the Europa League next season.
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, speaking to BBC TV: "It was the last chance to get something positive from the season. We were here last season and we weren't good enough and we had to see them go up and get the trophy.
"They have great quality, great players, a great manager. We had to sacrifice and suffer but we did great things. I try my best to help the team.
"Kobbie Mainoo is really good, such a quality player and you can see the composure he had with the finish. He came through the Academy and once more on the biggest stage in the world he showed it again. Congratulations to everyone, the staff, the players and all the fans, they have given us a big push - finally we have something to celebrate.
"It is crucial for everyone. We know the manager is under so much scrutiny, he deserves this, also everyone in the backroom staff and the players, we all deserve this."
The only question now is whether Ten Hag will be there to lead that campaign, but his players gave him absolutely everything as they out-fought and out-thought City underneath Wembley’s famous arch, showing a passion and intensity that has been missing all season.
It certainly leaves new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a big decision to make.
“They have to take a decision. I don’t know. He’s a lovely person and extraordinary manager. Winning The FA Cup is important for them. Congratulations to Manchester United on winning The FA Cup," said City boss Pep Guardiola.
Garnacho’s opener came after 30 minutes, taking advantage of a terrible misunderstanding between City defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Then the nerveless Maino - named man of the match - sealed it with a clever finish at the end of a sweeping move in the 39th minute that included a fine assist from Bruno Fernandes.
There was a nervous finale after Jeremy Doku, helped by a mistake by United goalkeeper Onana, pulled back a goal; but United hung on.
It was their first FA Cup victory since 2006 and their 13th in all - and after everything they’ve been through it meant more than most.
"The first half was not good, and we gave away the first goal. The second half was much better," added Guardiola.
"Credit to United for the second goal, the quality they have. After that we tried. We had the chances but scored the goal a little bit late.
"So we are disappointed today, which is normally, no team likes to lose a final. But this season has been extraordinary, fighting for all the trophies in a good way."
Ortega, Walker, Stones, Ake (Akanji 46), Gvardiol, Rodrigo, Kovacic (Doku 46), De Bruyne (Alvarez 57), Bernardo, Foden, Haaland.
Carson, Dias, Grealish, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis.
Onana, Wan-Bissaka, Varane, Martinez (Evans 74), Dalot, Amrabat, Mainoo, Garnacho (Lindelof 90+3), McTominay (Mount 90+3), Rashford (Hojlund 74), Fernandes.
Bayindir, Eriksen, Diallo, Antony.
Andrew Madley.
84, 814.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
