Defeating Man City, Man Utd won the FA Cup

Updated: 26/05/2024 05:30:08

Man Utd pulled off a major upset by beating Man City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.

Manchester United were not highly rated before heading into the 2023/24 FA Cup final against Manchester City. However, Erik ten Hag's team pulled off a major surprise at Wembley Stadium.

For the first time in 20 years, the FA Cup final featured two U20 players in the starting lineup: Alejandro Garnacho (19 years and 36 days old) and Kobbie Mainoo (19 years and 329 days old) of Manchester United. This duo created a turning point in the match in the first half.

Man City played terribly, while Man Utd had their best game of the season (Photo: Reuters)

Man Utd had less possession, mainly attacking with long balls or long-range shots. Man City dominated possession but failed to create any dangerous attacks against their opponents' solid defense.

In a deadlock situation, Man City paid a heavy price after a mistake by Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian defender failed to observe and made a careless back pass, bypassing the Man City goalkeeper, allowing Garnacho to easily shoot into an empty net.

Just 10 minutes later, it was Mainoo's turn to stun the crowd. Manchester United executed a brilliant attack. Rashford passed to Garnacho, who broke down the right wing. The Argentinian international then passed back to Bruno Fernandes, before the Manchester United captain delivered the decisive pass to Mainoo, who scored.

Man Utd won the FA Cup (Photo: Reuters)

Man City made personnel changes in the second half and went all-out on attack. Meanwhile, Man Utd only managed two shots on target. For the rest of the time, they focused entirely on defense. Man Utd maintained their organization in their own third of the pitch, stifling Man City's shooting opportunities.

It wasn't until the end of the match that Man City rekindled their hopes with a goal to reduce the deficit. Jeremy Doku – a player who came on in the second half – made a determined run down the left wing and unleashed a shot into the near corner. Goalkeeper Onana was caught off guard and couldn't make the save despite diving to touch the ball.

However, the remaining time in the match was not enough for Man City to find an equalizer. Man Utd won 2-1 and lifted the FA Cup trophy, securing a place in the Europa League.

According to THANH LOC (VTC News)

Source