Manchester United ended Manchester City's bid for a historic double-double and snatched a UEFA Europa League spot for next season with a 2-1 win in the FA Cup final at Wembley.
City took the lead inside 12 seconds when these sides met in last season's final but endured a deeply contrasting opening, and a disciplined United defence marshalled by returning centre-backs Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane offered little encouragement.
United broke through in the 30th minute as Alejandro Garnacho capitalised upon a mix-up between City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega and left-back Josko Gvardiol.
Garnacho was United's third teenage goalscorer in an FA Cup final and nine minutes later Kobbie Mainoo became the fourth when he tucked home a wonderful assist from Bruno Fernandes to crown a sumptuous team move.
City improved after the interval as Erling Haaland clattered the crossbar and Kyle Walker drew an outstanding save from Andre Onana.
United goalkeeper Onana then erred badly to let a shot from City substitute Jeremy Doku squirm through his grasp in the 87th minute but Erik ten Hag's side held on to give their manager what might prove to be farewell triumph.
MORE: Analysis and reaction from 2024 FA Cup final
Who won FA Cup final 2024?
Man United won the 2024 FA Cup after defeating local rivals Man City in the final on May 25.
After breaching new ground in English football history by winning a fourth consecutive Premier League title last weekend, Manchester City were aiming to become the first team to win successive domestic doubles.
But City lacked their usual rhythm during the first half, where sloppy errors and United's defensive discipline hindered them.
Garnacho and Mainoo will rightly celebrate as United's heroes but the return of Martinez and Varane was vital as Ten Hag claimed a second cup success in as many seasons. It was Varane's final appearance for the club before he leaves at the end of his contract.
Onana howler lets Doku give City hope
Doku has enjoyed a impressive debut season at City, giving Guardiola's attack a point of difference from out wide. The Belgium international was superb after he replaced Mateo Kovacic at halftime but his goal owed much to Onana.
After cutting inside Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Doku let fly with a shot towards the near post. Onana got down to but could not keep the strike out of his bottom-right corner.
They won't go down without a fight 💪
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 25, 2024
Jérémy Doku squeezes in for @ManCity!#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/tonoW2g3A7
Mainoo doubles Man United lead
United spent much of the half effectively soaking up City possession and then sprung into life to produce the most clinical passing move of the opening 45 minutes.
Marcus Rashford switched play out to Garnacho, who found Fernandes. The Portugal playmaker deftly helped the ball on to Mainoo, who dispatched a similarly cool side-footed finish.
YOU COULDN'T WRITE IT 🤯
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 25, 2024
Academy graduate, Kobbie Mainoo scores in the #EmiratesFACup Final for @ManUtd 😱 pic.twitter.com/d68cAKvaE8
Gvardiol-Ortega mix up gifts Garnacho opening goal
After a listless opening half-hour, a rare defensive error from City handed United the lead. Garnacho refused to give up the chase when Diogo Dalot sent a raking pass over the City defence.
Ortega and Gvardiol have been standout performers for Pep Guardiola's side over recent weeks but it was a moment for each man to forget as the goalkeeper darted out, the Croatia defender headed the ball over him and Garnacho converted into an empty net.
GARNACHOOO 🫨
— Emirates FA Cup (@EmiratesFACup) May 25, 2024
The @ManUtd man capitalises on a mistake to strike first at Wembley! 🔴#EmiratesFACup pic.twitter.com/olfFq43HG8
