Manchester City Wins the FA Cup, Defeats Manchester United, 2-1

Manchester City defeated Manchester United in the FA Cup finals today, 2-1, keeping its chance to complete the Treble and cement its legacy as one of the most dominant teams in the past several decades. Guardiola’s boys were better than the local rivals, keeping the game under control and confidently solving all the challenges they encountered during these 90 minutes. 

The key man on the field was Ilkay Gundogan, who scored both goals for Manchester City, each fantastic. The German midfielder struck a volley in the 12th second of the event, hitting the upper right corner of De Gea’s net. It was the fastest goal in the FA Cup finals and one of the most beautiful.

GUNDOGAN SCORES THE FASTEST GOAL EVER IN AN FA CUP FINAL 😤

CITY LEAD UNITED! pic.twitter.com/txTMksdVgK

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 3, 2023

After that, United recovered, but Ten Hag’s boys couldn’t impose their own tempo and style of play. City was pushing, not that aggressively, but the Sky-Blues did have the initiative. However, right out of nowhere, the Red Devils leveled the score. Jack Grealish handballed in the box unintentionally, we need to add, but the VAR system reacted, giving Bruno Fernandes a chance to score from a penalty. Of course, the Portuguese scored, bringing United back into the match.

Man City responded right away but couldn’t change the result until the end of the halftime. Immediately after the break, the Citizens were all over the rivals. Their captain, Gundogan, once more beat De Gea following a volley, breaking the tie and creating a big momentum for his squad. 

City was better in the remaining part of the event. United had some chances, but not as good as their opponent’s. As time went by, Ten Hag was becoming more and more open, and he introduced a few forwards, leaving the backline exposed. The Red Devils didn’t concede, but on the other hand, they couldn’t score either. 

After the game, Ten Hag said that his team had a successful season, with one trophy won. 

“We have played a fantastic season – better than we expected. We have qualified for the Champions League, won a trophy and got to another final. I’m really happy with the performance.”

Meanwhile, Guardiola was praising Gundogan and his level of play. Over the past two months, the German was the crucial player for City’s incredible form, and right now, it seems that he leads the way, not Haaland or De Bruyne. 

GUNDOGAN SCORES HIS SECOND OF THE GAME TO GIVE CITY A 2-1 LEAD 😱 pic.twitter.com/CVdDQeU5u6

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) June 3, 2023

The Spanish manager stated that the season isn’t over for him and his team and that the climax of the entire campaign is in Istanbul next weekend when City plays the UEFA Champions League finals against Inter Milan. Guardiola’s obsession is to win the UCL with the Citizens, and that is his main goal.

“We have done incredible, five Premier Leagues, two FA Cups and Carabaos but we have to win the Champions League to be recognized how the team deserves to be,” he stated. 

According to all the odds, the English champs are massive favorites, but that won’t relax Guardiola’s machinery, who is on the verge of completing one of the most dominant runs in the history of European football. Winning today is surely an excellent prelude for Saturday, and the morale in the locker room is hitting the ceiling. By the way, the game takes place at the Ataturk Stadium in Istanbul. 

As for United, Ten Hag thinks that his team has the quality to attack the title next year, with a few additions and changes on the roster.