- Alejandro Garnacho netted the opener for United after Josko Gvardiol’s error
- Kobbie Mainoo doubled the lead shortly before half time after a stunning move
- Have Chelsea offered Manchester United a way out of the Erik ten Hag darkness through Mauricio Pochettino’s exit? – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off! Podcast
Manchester United‘s turbulent season ended in jubilation at Wembley on Saturday as Erik ten Hag‘s side triumphed 2-1 over rivals Manchester City to win the FA Cup.
The Red Devils took a shock lead on the half hour mark through Alejandro Garnacho, who tapped into City’s empty net following a defensive mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega.
There was nothing fortunate about United’s second goal nine minutes later, however, as Kobbie Mainoo finished off Bruno Fernandes‘ superb assist to send United in at half time 2-0 in front.
Second-half substitute Jeremy Doku inspired hope of a late comeback for City, scoring from distance thanks to a poor error from Andre Onana, but United ultimately held on to claim the victory.
Mail Sport’s CHRIS WHEELER and JACK GAUGHAN assess the players’ performances from Saturday’s showpiece at Wembley.
Manchester United triumphed 2-1 over rivals Manchester City on Saturday to win the FA Cup
The Red Devils took a shock lead on the half hour mark through teenager Alejandro Garnacho (above), who capitalised on a mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega in defence
Erik ten Hag, who is reportedly facing the axe at United, has ended the season with silverware
Manchester City
Stefan Ortega – 5
Seemed a bag of nerves from the off. Shaky on the ball and unsure when to come and mop up.
Kyle Walker – 5.5
Won’t want to watch Kobbie Mainoo’s goal again. Ambled back and paid for it. Better going forward.
John Stones – 5.5
First start in over a month and that showed. Couldn’t get to the rhythm of the game. Improved after the break.
Nathan Ake – 5.5
Hooked at half time for his role in the first-half debacle. Could have been any of the back four in truth.
Josko Gvardiol – 5
Horrendous error for the first which opened the game up. Uncharacteristic mistake from the Croatian.
Rodri – 5.5
Loose when on the ball, not breaking the game up as much either. Passive, which cannot often be levelled at him.
Sofyan Amrabat (left) helped keep City’s star man Kevin De Bruyne (right) quiet in the first half
Second half substitute Jeremy Doku inspired hope for City with a strike from distance late on
Mateo Kovacic – 6
Actually seemed to be one of the more progressive midfielders before being sacrificed for Jeremy Doku.
Bernardo Silva – 6
On the periphery of it. Stayed wider than usual and never really took control when City poured forward.
Kevin De Bruyne – 5
Just not himself, which has been more common than usual this year. Seventy-one per cent pass completion.
Phil Foden – 7
Shining light for City. Still produced moments of magic as others flailed but needed more support.
Erling Haaland – 5.5
Will argue he should have been awarded two penalties. Struck the woodwork. Worked off scraps.
SUBS
Manuel Akanji (for Ake, 46) – 7
Jeremy Doku (for Kovacic, 46) – 7
Julian Alvarez (for De Bruyne, 57) – 5.5
Subs not used: Carson, Dias, Grealish, Nunes, Bobb, Lewis
MANAGER
Pep Guardiola – 5
Erling Haaland had an off day for the champions, despite striking the woodwork after the break
Manchester United
Andre Onana – 6
Two excellent one-handed saves from Walker but will be furious at himself for letting Doku’s strike creep past him.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6.5
Fairly comfortable in the first half but had his hands full against Doku’s pace and trickery in the second.
Raphael Varane – 7
Last game for United and what a way to go out. Huge defensive effort to subdue City and win the cup.
Lisandro Martinez – 8
How Ten Hag has missed this man. Survived a first-minute penalty shout for nudge on Haaland but supreme after that.
Diogo Dalot – 7
Playing out of position on the left once again, but won his duel with compatriot Bernardo and got forward well.
Kobbie Mainoo – 7
Celebrated his first Wembley final with a goal, starting and finishing the move with a clinical finish to put United two up.
Sofyan Amrabat – 7.5
In for the injured Casemiro and rose to the challenge. Provided steadying influence when it really mattered.
Lisandro Martinez put in a match-winning performance at the back for Manchester United
Kobbie Mainoo doubled United’s advantage, slotting home Bruno Fernandes’ superb assist
Andre Onana, who made a superb save to deny Kyle Walker from distance early in the second half, was at fault for City’s only goal of the game, failing to deal with Doku’s nearly-post shot
Marcus Rashford – 7
Much better. Grew in confidence after being eclipsed by Walker early on, and got an ovation from the fans when he went off.
Scott McTominay – 6.5
His physical presence and energy were crucial to United’s game plan, stopping City from turning possession into domination.
Alejandro Garnacho – 7
United’s main attacking threat. He pounced on Gvardiol’s error to score the first and tested Ortega with two shots.
Bruno Fernandes – 6.5
Did a job for his team by played as a false nine again, and produced clever blind pass to set up Mainoo’s goal.
SUBS
Lindelof (for Garnacho 90+3) – N/A
Mount (for McTominay 90+3) – N/A
Hojlund (for Rashford 73) – 6.5
Evans (for Martinez 73) – 6.5
Subs not used: Bayindir, Eriksen, Diallo, Kambwala, Antony
MANAGER
Erik ten Hag – 7