Two goals in the last 9 minutes of the first half from Man United completely destroyed Man City’s fighting spirit.
Despite having a far lower rating than their city rivals who won the championship the previous year and having less ball control than Man City, Man United made the required decisions and remained resilient in the face of strong attack in “The Citizens”
Bernardo Silva scores in front of the Man United defense
Furthermore, throughout the opening 45 minutes of the game, the “Red Devils” players generated the most noteworthy attack opportunities, something that Man City was unable to accomplish.
Alejandro Garnacho was the recipient of a long ball from Diogo Dalot in the thirty-first minute, but Man City defender Josko Gvardiol appeared to have the upper hand. But by heading his teammate’s back, the Croatian defender miscommunicated with goalkeeper Stefan Ortega, allowing Garnacho to get free and score the game’s first goal.
Gvardiol headed the ball to correct goalkeeper Ortega’s back.
Garnacho did not miss the opportunity to score the opening goal
The loss still did not wake up Man City and goalkeeper Ortega’s net shook for the second time in the 38th minute after Marcus Rashford’s shot. This goal, however, was not recognized as Garnacho was already in an offside position. Not too regretful about this opportunity, just a minute later, Man United had the opportunity to celebrate the goal again.
Kobbie Mainoo doubled the gap for the “Red Devils”
From Rashford’s swing pass to the right corridor for Garnacho, the ball was stretched across the middle to Bruno Fernandes and the Portuguese midfielder immediately pushed Kobbie Mainoo for this young teammate to score. Two goals is a good distance for Man United to confidently enter the break while a gloomy atmosphere descended on the Man City team.
Man City replaced many key positions even though they were leading
A series of personnel changes by coach Pep Guardiola at the beginning of the second half helped Man City’s game improve. Many scoring opportunities were created, but Erling Haaland shot the ball against the bar to Kyle Walker and then Julian Alvarez could not beat goalkeeper Andre Onana.
Kyle Walker played most aggressively on Man City’s side
It wasn’t until the 87th minute that Jeremy Doku rekindled some hope for Man City when he scored from a tight angle with a rather delicate shot. The 2-1 score remained the same until the end of the main match and 7 additional minutes, helping Man United win in the end to take the throne in the FA Cup arena this season.
The joy of Man United’s victory
This valuable title may be the buoy that saves coach Erik ten Hag’s career at Old Trafford. It is also possible that he will have to leave when there are 5-6 candidates ready to replace him as desired by co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.