Man United beat Man City to claim 13th FA Cup title

Manchester United defeated Manchester City, the English Premier League (EPL) champions, 2-1 at Wembley to win the English FA Cup on Saturday.

A repeat of last year’s final, United exerted revenge this time in the Manchester derby final, thanks to two first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo. Jeremy Doku scored City’s late consolation.

Pep Guardiola’s Man City bossed possession but Erik ten Hag’s Man United were patient on the counterattack and pounced on a City error to take the lead on 30 minutes.

Miscommunication between defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega saw the former head the ball past the latter with Garnacho handed the easy task of tapping into an empty net for 1-0.

Maino then finished a team move nine minutes later, clinically finishing Bruno Fernandes’ lay-off to hand the Red Devils a two-goal lead at halftime.

Man City increased the pressure in the second period, with penalty appeals turned down before halving the deficit on 87 minutes through Doku. The Belgian’s shot to the near post was diverted in by Andre Onana in goal to set up a tense final minutes.

However, Man United’s usually leaky defence held on for a memorable victory that provided succor for their worst season ever in EPL history.

The win sees Man United seal their 13th FA Cup title, with the Red Devils triumphing for the first time since 2016 — ending an eight-year drought in the competition.

The victory also ends Man City’s 35-match unbeaten streak in all competitions this season, including an 11-game unbeaten run in the FA Cup in regulation time.

It is the first time Man United defeated Man City this season and also in the FA Cup at the third attempt.

It is also the first time a team that finished eighth or lower has won the FA Cup when facing the EPL champions, with Man United repeating Aston Villa’s 1957 feat.

The title is ten Hag’s second trophy since arriving at the club, adding to his Carabao Cup triumph last year.

The FA Cup triumph also means Man United will play in the Europa League next season.