Man Utd caused a big surprise when they defeated Man City in the FA Cup final with a score of 2-1.
Man Utd is not highly appreciated before entering the 2023/24 FA Cup final against Man City. However, coach Erik ten Hag’s team created a big surprise at Wembley Stadium.
For the first time in 20 years, the FA Cup final had a team using two U20 players as starters. They are Alejandro Garnacho (19 years and 36 days) and Kobbie Mainoo (19 years and 329 days) of Man Utd. It was this duo that created the turning point of the match right in the first half.
Man City played very poorly, while Man Utd had the best match of the season. (Photo: Reuters)
Man Utd held less of the ball, mainly attacking with long balls or long-distance shooting efforts. Man City dominated the ball control but did not create any dangerous attacks against the opponent’s dense defense.
In the deadlock, Man City had to pay a very high price after Josko Gvardiol’s mistake. The Croatian defender did not look and made a careless return pass, eliminating the Man City goalkeeper. Garnacho easily kicked into an empty goal.
Just 10 minutes later, it was Mainoo’s turn to surprise the audience. Man Utd performed an excellent attack. Rashford has a pass for Garnacho to escape down the right wing. The Argentina international returned it to Bruno Fernandes, before the Man Utd captain threw the decisive pass for Mainoo to score.
Man Utd won the FA Cup. (Photo: Reuters)
Man City adjusted their personnel in the second half and attacked with all their might. Meanwhile, Man Utd only launched 2 shots on target. In the remaining time, they focused maximum attention on defense. Organization in about 1/3 of the home field is maintained by Man Utd, suffocating Man City’s finishing space.
It wasn’t until the end of the match that Man City sparked hope by shortening the score. Jeremy Doku – a player who came on the field in the second half – tried to break through on the left wing, then fired a shot into the near corner. Goalkeeper Onana was caught off guard and could not make the save even though he leaned forward to touch the ball.
However, the remaining time of the match was not enough for Man City to find an equalizer. Man Utd won 2-1 and won the FA Cup, and also qualified for the Europa League.
