Alejandro Garnacho gave Manchester United the lead after a horrible mix-up between Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol in the 30th minute. The young Argentine striker pounced on the defensive lapse to open the scoring for the Red Devils.
Kobbie Mainoo then doubled United’s advantage by finishing off a brilliantly worked team move in the 39th minute. The highly-rated academy graduate capped off an excellent team play with a composed finish to put United in firm control of the
match.
Jeremy Doku gave Manchester City a glimmer of hope late in the game, halving the deficit with a strike that crept past goalkeeper Andre Onana in the 87th minute. The Belgian winger’s goal set up a nervy finish as City pushed for an equalizer.
Despite City’s late pressure, Manchester United held on to win the match and secure a Europa League spot for next season after winning the FA Cup. Kobbie Mainoo’s performance earned him the Man of the Match award, with manager Erik ten Hag praising the youngster’s desire and passion – qualities that have been lacking for United at times this season. It was a pivotal victory for United against their city rivals, who ran out of time in their attempts to find a late equalizer.
Winning 2-1, coach Erik Ten Hag’s team has crowned themselves champions in the FA Cup.
With the 2023-24 FA Cup triumph, Manchester United have secured a spot in the Europa League next season, despite only finishing 8th in the Premier League.
The team that finished above them, Chelsea (7th place), will have to compete in the UEFA Europa Conference League. The 2023-24 season has now officially come to a close for Manchester United. Attention will now turn to the future of manager Erik Ten Hag. The Dutch strategist is rumored to be on the verge of being sacked by the Red Devils, regardless of the outcome in the FA Cup final.