“Just for that…” Alan Shearer explains THE moment that won Kobbie Mainoo Player of the Match vs Man City

Kobbie Mainoo was awarded the Player of the Match award against Manchester City in the FA Cup final, and Alan Shearer has explained the moment that it was decided.

Last Saturday, Manchester United showcased their best form of the season, securing a victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final under Erik ten Hag‘s management.

The match began with United quickly establishing control. Alejandro Garnacho opened the scoring with a tap-in following a mistake from Joško Gvardiol, giving United an early lead. Kobbie Mainoo, who was later named Player of the Match, doubled the lead with a brilliant goal just before half-time.

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Despite a goal from Jeremy Doku that gave City a glimmer of hope, Pep Guardiola’s side struggled to break through United’s disciplined defence and tactical organisation. United’s cohesive teamwork and strategic execution were evident throughout the game.

Ten Hag’s meticulous planning paid off as United maintained their composure and control, ultimately emerging as the deserved winners of the FA Cup in a memorable and hard-fought match.

During the nail-biting tie, 19-year-old Mainoo was nothing short of superb against Man City, and Alan Shearer, who was co-commentating on the fixture, has explained the one moment that earned Mainoo the Player of the Match award.

“When you consider he’s up against someone who we consider the best in the world, Rodri; Kevin De Bruyne, one of the best in the world; Foden, one of the best in the world; Kovacic, his experience is like incredible,” Shearer explained on The Rest is Football podcast.

“So he’s up against all of these players in the middle of midfield, and yet, he’s the one that shines as a 19-year-old.

“As important as his goal was, as important as his passing was, as important as his tackling was, one of the most important things for me was when he went body-to-body with Erling Haaland from a corner, I think it was, and he stood his ground, and he was strong as and he didn’t allow Haaland (to win the ball).

“I just thought: “Yeah, I love that’.

“That, for me, I thought, on top of all the other things, I’m giving you the Man of the Match just for that as well as the rest.”