Manchester United secured their 13th FA Cup title with a 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City, thanks to first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. The win at Wembley could mark the end of Erik ten Hag’s tenure as United’s manager.
United, keen to avoid a repeat of last year’s early concession, started brightly with Garnacho testing City’s goalkeeper Stefan Ortega early on. Despite a slow start, City began to dominate possession, but it was United who struck first. Garnacho capitalized on a mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Ortega to score into an empty net just before the half-hour mark.
Buoyed by the opener, United doubled their lead in the 39th minute. A fluid team move involving Marcus Rashford and Garnacho ended with Bruno Fernandes setting up Mainoo, who finished clinically into the far corner.
Facing a two-goal deficit, Pep Guardiola brought on Jeremy Doku at halftime to spark City’s attack. Doku quickly created a chance for Erling Haaland, whose shot rattled the crossbar. City kept pressing, but United’s goalkeeper Andre Onana was in fine form, making crucial saves to deny Kyle Walker and Julian Alvarez.
City’s persistence paid off in the final 15 minutes when Doku’s shot from the edge of the box beat Onana at his near post, setting up a tense finish. Despite City’s late onslaught, United’s defense held firm to secure the win.
The triumph gives Manchester United their first FA Cup since the 2015/16 season and provides a morale boost following their lowest-ever Premier League finish. Meanwhile, City’s defeat denies them the chance to become the first English side to achieve back-to-back league and cup doubles.
