Lucky Number 13 as United Exact FA Cup Revenge
Manchester United clinched their 13th FA Cup title with a thrilling 2-1 victory over rivals Manchester City, thanks to first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. The win at a sun-drenched Wembley might mark Erik ten Hag’s last game in charge, but it was a memorable triumph for the Red Devils.
Last year, United conceded a goal within 13 seconds in the FA Cup final. This year, they avoided a similar mishap, despite an early effort by Garnacho being saved by Stefan Ortega. Although Pep Guardiola’s City started to control the game after a shaky beginning, United struck first. Garnacho took advantage of a mix-up between Joško Gvardiol and Ortega to score an easy goal just before the half-hour mark.
United, boosted by their lead, continued to play confidently. Their second goal came in the 39th minute from a well-executed team move. Marcus Rashford and Garnacho combined beautifully, leading to Bruno Fernandes setting up Mainoo for a clinical finish into the far corner.
Guardiola responded by bringing on Jérémy Doku at the start of the second half to invigorate City’s attack. Doku nearly had an immediate impact, setting up Erling Haaland, who hit the crossbar. Despite continued pressure from City, United’s goalkeeper André Onana denied Kyle Walker from distance and Julian Álvarez in a one-on-one situation.
City finally pulled a goal back when Doku scored from the edge of the box, beating Onana at his near post. This set up a tense finale, but United held firm under City’s late onslaught to secure a historic win.
This victory marks United’s first FA Cup triumph since the 2015/16 season and provides a much-needed morale boost after their lowest-ever Premier League finish. And likewise qualifies the Red Devils for Europa League next season while condemning Chelsea to the Conference League.
On the other hand, City missed the chance to become the first English side to win back-to-back league and cup doubles.
