Manchester United have exacted the ultimate revenge on Man City by beating them 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
United fended off a late comeback from City after Jeremy Doku pulled one back late on, following Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo’s first-half strikes.
The Red Devils lost against the Citizens in last season’s showpiece match at Wembley, but came out on top this time in Erik ten Hag‘s potentially last match in charge.
It was only last weekend where City eclipsed United’s top-flight record by winning four consecutive league championships.
And United have now stopped Pep Guardiola‘s men from creating further English history, where they have failed to become the first team to win the league and FA Cup double in back-to-back campaigns.
After a slow start to the derby, the game sprung into life in the 30th minute when Garnacho capitalised on a City mix-up at the back.
Diogo Dalot sent forward a hopeful lofted pass, which saw German goalkeeper Stefan Ortega race out.
Josko Gvardiol – unaware the shot-stopper was so far off his line – then headed the ball back over the onrushing Ortega, allowing Garnacho to tap home from a few yards out.
United then doubled their lead nine minutes later in one of the team goals of the season, with Mainoo finishing off the move after being expertly picked out by Bruno Fernandes.
The goal saw United create FA Cup history, with it being the first time two teenagers have scored in a final.
7
7
7
7
7
7
It was all City in the second half, with Erling Haaland hitting the woodwork moments after the break, before substitute Julian Alvarez fired wide after being found by Phil Foden.
They finally halved the deficit in the 87th minute through Doku’s low drive, but they were unable to snatch a last-gasp equaliser.
Few gave United any chance of beating the Premier League champions after Ten Hag’s side finished eighth in the table – their lowest position in Premier League history.
But they have made sure to end their season on a high – and what a way for Ten Hag to bow out should he be relieved of his duties.
talkSPORT reported prior to Saturday’s clash that victory in the FA Cup isn’t guaranteed to keep the Dutchman in a job.
But he has now guided United to silverware in his two seasons having triumphed in the Carabao Cup last term.
And he has also become the first manager to beat Guardiola’s City in a domestic cup final since he took charge in 2016.