Manchester United lifted the FA Cup on Saturday by beating archrival Manchester City 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium.
The victory dashed City’s hopes of becoming the first side to win successive Premier League and FA Cup doubles in the same season.
Pep Guardiola’s side, worthy league champions after their final-day win against West Ham United last Sunday, simply failed to spark and showed an unusual uncertainty when faced by a determined United, especially in the first half.
The victory dumbfounded United Manager, Erik Ten Hag‘s critics who have been skeptical of United’s chances of lifting any trophy this year.
Erik Hag’s Spectacular Shine
Entering this Manchester derby final, Ten Hag faced growing expectations of his imminent dismissal by United’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
But even if Ten Hag is now removed, he at least can leave with such a glorious Saturday, far better than his team’s lackluster league performance this season. This is Ten Hag’s second year at United.
There were rumours swirling on Friday that the Dutchman would be fired after the match, regardless of the result. If United had lost the final, they would have completely missed the European competitions next season.
How It Happened
Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring on Saturday for the Red Devils in the 30th minute with a close-range effort, capitalizing on a mix-up between City’s defender, Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega.
Kobbie Mainoo extended United’s lead nine minutes later with a clinical finish.
A little earlier, Marcus Rashford‘s goal had been disallowed due to an offside ruling against Garnacho.
Jeremy Doku pulled a goal back for Manchester City late in the second half, but United managed to hold on till the end to secure the victory. Last year, Pep Guardiola’s City beat them in the FA Cup final. Sweet revenge!
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer – United co-owners, were in the stands at Wembley. The win enables United, who finished eighth in the Premier League this season, 31 points behind champions City, to secure a place in the Europa League.
After the final whistle, some United players bowed in celebration, while those in reserve sprinted from the technical area to join them. A beaming Ten Hag received a congratulatory hug from City Manager, Guardiola.
Ten Hag Speaks
Later, when asked if he had any idea about his future, Ten Hag said: “I don’t think about this. I’m working on a project; we are where we want to be. We’re constructing a team.
“When I took over, it was a mess at United, and we are on our way to construct a team for the future, which will go with ups and downs. What you see is the team is developing and winning. It’s about winning trophies; the team also plays through an identity.
“Two trophies in two years, it’s not bad. Three finals are all right. But we have to keep going. If they no longer want me, I go elsewhere to win trophies because that is what I did my whole career.”
United’s Future
United’s league season has been disappointing, but Erik ten Hag delivered a tactical masterclass Saturday by securing his second trophy at Old Trafford. However, whether this success will be enough to save his job is yet to be seen, but he must feel vindicated tonight after a brilliant afternoon for him and his team.
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