Manchester United’s Ten Hag wins unexpected FA Cup

Posted : 25 May 2024

Manchester United and their embattled manager Erik ten Hag defied expectations and critics to achieve a remarkable FA Cup final victory over the heavily favored Manchester City at Wembley.

Entering the Manchester derby final, Ten Hag faced growing speculation that he would be dismissed by United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, regardless of the match's outcome.

If Ten Hag is indeed dismissed, he will depart on a high note after the finest day of his two-year tenure and United’s best moment in years, following a performance that starkly contrasted with their struggles throughout the season.

United's victory, which thwarted Premier League champions City from securing a second consecutive domestic double, was forged through an exceptional first-half display featuring goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Garnacho capitalized on a miscommunication between City keeper Stefan Ortega and defender Josko Gvardiol, scoring into an empty net at the half-hour mark. Nine minutes later, Mainoo finished off a sweeping move, delicately set up by Bruno Fernandes.

Despite City's inevitable pressure in the second half, including Erling Haaland striking the frame of the goal, United keeper Andre Onana's brilliant save from Kyle Walker, and Julian Alvarez missing a prime opportunity, United held firm.

City substitute Jeremy Doku managed to score with four minutes remaining, but Ten Hag’s team preserved their lead to secure a celebrated victory, marking their 13th FA Cup win and first since 2015.

As the final whistle blew, Ten Hag was hoisted into the air by defender Lisandro Martinez in a jubilant celebration of a truly remarkable FA Cup Final.

The build-up to the match was dominated by rumors that it would be Ten Hag’s final game as United's manager, but Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who would make that decision, was all smiles at the end of the match.

United’s path to Wembley was rocky, including a dramatic 4-3 win over Liverpool in the quarter-finals with Amad Diallo's extra-time goal and a nerve-wracking semi-final victory over Coventry City via penalties after losing a 3-0 lead.

Their first-half performance against City was one of the best under Ten Hag, combining excellent organization with a genuine attacking threat. Mainoo's second goal was a highlight, starting with Marcus Rashford's long pass to Garnacho, whose cross was deftly directed into Mainoo's path by Fernandes.

The 19-year-old Mainoo was central to United's success, demonstrating maturity and composure that could earn him a starting spot in England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia.

Ten Hag, previously criticized and seen as on the brink of dismissal, orchestrated a top-tier performance from a struggling United team that secured them a spot in next season’s Europa League, adding another trophy to last season’s League Cup win. If Ten Hag departs, he does so in triumph.

For Manchester City, the defeat marked a rare off day. Their ambition to achieve back-to-back Premier League and FA Cup doubles was undone by an uncharacteristically shaky performance.

Despite being worthy league champions, City failed to perform to their usual standard against a fearless United, especially in the first half. Keeper Ortega, who had shone in the league run-in, appeared nervous, contributing to Gvardiol’s error that allowed Garnacho's goal.

City's usually reliable players struggled; Rodri experienced his first defeat in 75 games, a streak dating back to February 2023. Even with second-half efforts, including Haaland hitting the bar and Alvarez missing a clear chance, City couldn’t find their rhythm.

Phil Foden and Kevin De Bruyne, both key players, were unable to inspire a comeback, with De Bruyne substituted before the hour mark. It wasn’t City’s day, and they must settle for the Premier League title after last season’s Treble of the title, Champions League, and FA Cup.

Manchester United’s Ten Hag wins unexpected FA Cup

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