Manchester United defeated Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at Wembley Stadium to win 13th FA Cup trophy on Saturday.
Much of the build-up to the game had centred around United manager Erik Ten Hag’s future with reports on Friday suggesting the club had decided to part company with the Dutchman regardless of the result in the showpiece final.
If it was to be his final match in charge, the United players gave him the ultimate send-off as first-half goals from Alejandro Garnacho, who pounced on a calamitous mix-up between Josko Gvardiol and Stefan Ortega, and Kobbie Mainoo left Pep Guardiola’s side stunned.
City tried to find a way back into the game in the second half, but Erling Haaland’s strike rattled the crossbar before Andre Onana twice kept out long-range efforts from Kyle Walker.
However, Onana couldn’t keep out substitute Jeremy Doku’s strike as City pulled a goal back in the 87th minute to set up a grandstand finish.
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City fans roared as seven minutes of stoppage time were announced by the fourth official, but it was United fans celebrating at the sound of the full-time whistle as their side held on to stop their rivals from becoming the first side to secure back-to-back league and FA Cup doubles.
FA Cup glory sees United add a second piece of silverware under Ten Hag, following up their Carabao Cup win from last season.
It also sees United put a disappointing league season behind them by sealing Europa League qualification, but the question remains as to whether Ten Hag will lead them into next season.
The 2023/24 season has reached its conclusion but planning has already started for the new campaign.
Several Premier League sides have confirmed pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2024/25 term, which kicks off on the weekend of August 17/18, while others have given fresh kits an early airing.
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