Manchester United and their embattled manager, Erik ten Hag, defied expectations and critics to secure a remarkable FA Cup final victory over the heavily favored Manchester City at Wembley.
Ten Hag faced the final with mounting speculation that United’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, would sack him regardless of the result.
If Ten Hag is to be dismissed, he will depart on the high note of his two-year tenure’s finest achievement and United’s best performance in years, contrasting sharply with their disappointing season.
United’s victory, which thwarted Premier League champions City’s bid for a second consecutive domestic double, was anchored by an exceptional first-half display, featuring goals from Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.
Garnacho capitalized on a miscommunication between City keeper Stefan Ortega and Josko Gvardiol to score into an open net at the half-hour mark, while Mainoo finished off a sweeping move with a composed strike from Bruno Fernandes’ delicate pass nine minutes later.
City inevitably ramped up the pressure in the second half, with Erling Haaland hitting the post, United keeper Andre Onana making a brilliant save from Kyle Walker, and Julian Alvarez missing a significant opportunity.
City substitute Jeremy Doku pulled one back with four minutes remaining, but Ten Hag’s side held on to secure a famous victory, claiming their 13th FA Cup and their first since 2015.
