Man United 2-1 Man City: 5 things noticed as Erik ten Hag WINS the FA Cup

Five things were noticed as Manchester United defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag decided to start Marcus Rashford and have Rasmus Højlund as a bench option as Manchester United faced off against Manchester City in the 2024 FA Cup final.

The game started off fast, with City having a penalty shout within a minute. However, United had their chances, too, with the Reds sitting back and absorbing City’s pressure and waiting for their moment to strike.

Read More: Player Ratings – Manchester United vs Manchester City (FA Cup Final)

That came in the 30th minute when Alejandro Garnacho ran through beyond Ortega following a comedy moment between the goalkeeper and the winger and found himself shooting into an empty net. Seven minutes later, Kobbie Mainoo then doubled the lead following a beautiful reverse assist.

In the second half, City made two changes, with Doku and Akanji coming on for Kovacic and Ake. Early on, Onana was called into action and forced to make multiple great saves, including a stunning one to deny Kyle Walker’s long shot.

City certainly created more chances, with Alvarez and Haaland having fantastic moments, but with 15 minutes to play, United was holding on. However, with four minutes of regulation time left, Doku managed to squeeze the ball through Onana’s hands, putting the game at 2-1 as the clubs headed into the final moments.

They couldn’t. UNITED ARE FA CUP CHAMPIONS.

#1 – An approach like Arsenal

Manchester United’s approach to this game was very similar to the one they took against Arsenal a few weeks ago—compact, patient, and disciplined.

It worked well, and although they ultimately lost that game, the team showed signs of being able to compete with the best in the land.

What was the difference this time? Bruno Fernandes. Fernandes was nothing short of brilliant in the opening 45 minutes, with his assist for Kobbie Mainoo’s goal

#2 – Garnacho’s story continues

Alejandro Garnacho’s story this season has been fantastic, and his opening goal in the tie only continues this. One trait of his that has helped his development has been his persistent running.

This came in handy just before his goal – it was his running at Ortega, despite not being able to win the battle, that confused Gvardiol and caused him to head the ball over the goalkeeper, leading to Garnacho’s empty-net finish.

Although he was not as pivotal in the second half, his defensive positioning was commendable. He worked for the team to see the game out. He was fantastic.

#3 – A game of two halves

While the first half was pretty even between the two sides, the second was a different fixture entirely. With United 2-0 up, they had their backs against the wall as City started an onslaught towards Onana’s box.

With Guardiola throwing the kitchen sink at United, it’s not unexpected that this happened, and the big test for United was whether they could hold on to it. The management by United, and particularly Wan-Bissaka on Doku, was fantastic with 15 minutes left to play of regulation time.

Although the winger scored, it was not enough. WINNERS.

#4 – Ten Hag deserves this

For all that the squad has been through this season—the injuries, poor results, and media hounding—Ten Hag has taken it all.

No one knows what will happen with his future, right now, he deserves this. Fair play.

#5 – Into Europe

Lastly, United have ensured that they will qualify for the Europa League next season. After finishing eighth in the league, the club were facing the first season in ten years without Europe, but this will not be the case.

It’s not the Champions League, but NEVER say die.