Ex-Man United defender names Erik ten Hag’s 73rd-minute moment that won the FA Cup

Former Manchester United defender David May has explained the in-game decision Erik ten Hag made that won him the FA Cup final against Manchester City.

Manchester United delivered their finest performance of the season, defeating Manchester City in the FA Cup final under Erik ten Hag‘s leadership.

United took an early lead with a sharp goal from Alejandro Garnacho. Just before halftime, Kobbie Mainoo, who was later named Player of the Match, scored a second goal, putting United firmly in control.

Read More: Cristiano Ronaldo sends message to Man United after breaking record, club legend responds

Despite a spirited effort from City, including a goal from Jeremy Doku, they struggled to penetrate United’s disciplined defence. Pep Guardiola’s team couldn’t match United’s tactical precision and cohesive play.

Ten Hag’s strategic planning was evident as his team maintained control and composure throughout the match. Ultimately, Manchester United emerged as the deserved FA Cup champions in a memorable clash against their city rivals.

Despite United’s brilliant performance throughout the 90 minutes, David May, former United centre-back, thought a decision in the 73rd minute won the game.

After playing a gruelling fixture, Lisandro Martínez was replaced by Jonny Evans at that moment, and it was once Evans stepped on the pitch with United having a 2-0 lead that May explains he “knew” United had secured the win.

“I knew. His experience, his knowledge, his reading of the game, I just knew we was safe,” he told the Utd Podcast.

Although Doku managed to grab a goal back 10 minutes later, May was ultimately proved right, with United lifting the trophy. May also went on to point out a “brilliant” decision from the players during the trophy lift.

“What I thought was brilliant at the end, the players passed the trophy down to the manager.

“In the lead-up to the final, everybody wrote him off, disrespected him and everything. That’s class from the players. 100 per cent he deserved it.”