Pep Guardiola’s FA Cup final concern comes true after praising four Man United players

Pep Guardiola’s concerns ahead of the FA Cup final came true after Manchester United won 2-1 against Manchester City.

United triumphed 2-1 over City in the FA Cup final at Wembley, claiming the trophy for the first time since 2016 under Louis van Gaal.

The Reds took an early lead when Alejandro Garnacho exploited a defensive mix-up by City to score into an empty net.

Kobbie Mainoo extended United’s advantage before halftime, capping off a brilliant team move with a goal assisted by Bruno Fernandes.

Although Jérémy Doku scored a late goal for Pep Guardiola’s side, United held firm to secure the victory and lift the cup.

Before the game, Guardiola was extremely wary of United’s attacking players, particularly Bruno Fernandes, Rasmus Højlund, Marcus Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho.

“They have the runners. The actions from brilliant players they have up front,” Guardiola said. “Garnacho, Rashford, Højlund, of course, Bruno Fernandes. When he has the ball, everything happens.

“The influence from Bruno on that team is outstanding, unbelievable. I saw the last few games, and I said, ‘This guy is… His creativity is one of the best I’ve ever seen’. They have experience too.”

The City boss’s concerns were apparent, but he was not able to stop them from ruining his team’s day. Fernandes, Rashford and Garnacho caused constant problems for the opposition throughout, with Garnacho scoring the opener.

Højlund, too, had an important contribution when he came on. The striker won multiple fouls in high positions and helped United up the pitch in the final exchanges.