Man United vs Man City | FA Cup Final 2023-24
Manchester United beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium last Sunday. The win means the Red Devils have finished the 2023-24 season on a high, after enduring a very disappointing league campaign. This is United’s second trophy under Erik ten Hag’s management following last season’s EFL Cup triumph.
Having finished eighth in the Premier League season, Ten Hag’s men will be somewhat boosted by their FA Cup victory against the PL champions. Additionally, the club also ensured its participation in the Europa League next season by winning the domestic knockout cup.
Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo scored for the Red Devils in the first half to give them a 2-0 lead. Jeremy Doku reduced Man City’s deficit in the second half, but United held on to win the coveted FA Cup for the 13th time. On that note, let’s take a look at three takeaways from the match:
#1. Manchester United’s counter-attacking football did the trick for them:
Manchester United started with a 4-3-3 formation, using Bruno Fernandes and Scott McTominay in tandem as false nines. Mainoo and Sofyan Amrabat acted as two defensive midfielders to give solidity to their defensive setup.
The Red Devils scored both of their goals on counter-attacks, resulting from long balls sent to their attackers from inside their own half. It was a predictable ploy against the Cityzens, who mostly played with a high defensive line.
In addition, a communication problem between defender Josko Gvardiol and goalkeeper Stefan Ortega was also the cause of the first goal conceded by Pep Guardiola’s team. Overall, it was an unsatisfactory defensive performance from the Cityzens.
#2. Manchester City dominated possession, but their attack lacked bite:
Manchester City finished the match with a staggering 74% of ball possession, indicating that the match was largely played in United’s half. However, Guardiola’s men were only able to muster four shots on target, implying that Ten Hag’s ultra-defensive strategy was well executed by his players.
There was always an extra United player to take care of the opposing attackers and the Red Devils defenders continued to fill their penalty area to keep striker Erling Haaland at bay. Players like Phil Foden and Bernardo Silva were off-colour, as City struggled to create openings.
#3. Manchester City’s team selection raised eyebrows:
Pep Guardiola’s decision to leave Doku on the bench to play Foden on the left flank was questionable. It’s clear that Foden doesn’t like playing on the left much and it was also obvious that Man United would take an ultra-defensive approach in the FA Cup final, just like most teams do against Man City.
Manchester United v Manchester City – FA Cup Final – Cinematic Highlights pic.twitter.com/rY7jOMgFdF
— 🎥™️ (@EvkProductions) May 26, 2024
The Spanish boss removed Kevin De Bruyne and Mateo Kovacic, who started alongside Rodri in City’s double pivot 4-2-3-1, and introduced Doku and Julian Alvarez in the second half. Alvarez failed to impress much, but Doku was instrumental in directing the Cityzens’ attacks.
The Belgian striker had a great battle with Aaron Wan-Bissaka and managed to dribble past the opposing defenders on several occasions. He also scored their only goal of the match to end a season that saw him rise to prominence in world football.
Learn more:
A huge victory for the Red Devils after a disastrous campaign, closing the 2023-24 season with a trophy. United will sign with some positives and know a lot of work will need to be done behind the scenes. A major transfer window awaits Manchester United.
Follow AD for the latest updates of the day on Manchester United.
